DEFA
Fisheries
Marine Invasives management and
identification workshop
3rd to 5th April 2014
These workshops will introduce you to a range of invasive species found or potentially
found in coastal waters around the Isle of Man, and the various options that exist for
the management and control of these species, as well as discussing strategic
management approaches to marine invasives .
The course has been split into different workshops, to provide specific training and information to
different users and managers of the marine environment:
For those who are in the field either in a professional capacity (Friday am) or as volunteers
(Saturday am) there will be presentations and practical hands-on experience in the field, with
collection of specimens included, alongside the use of microscopes and keys for species
identification. Highly invasive species that are already in your coastal waters, and those thought to
be 'high risk' but not yet present will receive particular attention.
For those officers and scientists (government and partners) handling the strategic, risk assessment
and contingency planning aspects of marine invasive management there will be 2 indoor sessions
(Thursday and Friday pms) which will assist government in its planning and procedures, as well as
using the skills of its partners, should there be occasion to respond to an invasion.
The whole course is led by Dr Liz Cook (Senior Lecturer with the Scottish Association for Marine
Science - SAMS); a specialist researcher in the field of invasive species with over 15 years’
experience; particularly as they relate to climate change, aquaculture, hull fouling and the marine
renewables industry. She is co-author of the recent paper on ‘Alien Species in British brackish and
marine waters’ and lead author on an MCCIP Marine Non-Natives Report Card published in 2013.
Her current projects include studies for the EU COST Action ‘European Information System for Alien
Species’.
This event is sponsored by Department of Infrastructure, Department of Environment Food and
Agriculture (Fisheries) and Seasearch/Marine Conservation Society.
Thursday 3rd & Friday 4th April, afternoons (1.30pm - 5pm) – Theory (Govt office in Douglas)
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Definition of ‘invasive’ and ‘alien’ species
Economic, environmental and societal impacts (fisheries, harbour/marina, biodiversity
and other potential implications)
Pathways of transmission: how marine aliens reach and become established in new
habitats
Biosecurity measures for marine aliens
Risk assessment for species and pathways
Strategic management of invasive species, including eradication and control methods
Overview of existing legislation (IOM and UK) for dealing with the new arrival of a
marine invasive species
These sessions have been designed for Government officers and non-Government organisations
and will cover the main issues surrounding marine invasive species and strategic management
approaches that can be taken. Implications of climate change, offshore renewables (and potentially
in future, aquaculture) in relation to invasives will be covered. These two afternoons will assist in
drafting an Isle of Man marine invasives strategy. These two sessions together constitute the
theoretical course. Costs covered by Govt contributions. Max 14 people.
Friday 4th April, 8am - 12 noon (Government divers and harbour personnel) Practical
 Techniques for field collection and rapid surveys
 Practical identification and understanding families of invasive species (including local and
regional experts)
 Species distribution and recording techniques
 The importance of rapid response and monitoring
This practical morning will focus on marine invasive species in harbours and has been designed for
Government divers and harbour personnel. It will involve an early start to take advantage of the
low tide, when you’ll have the chance to take samples and then identify them in the lab. Costs
covered by Govt contributions. Max 12 people.
Saturday
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5th April 8am – 12 noon (volunteer divers and beachcombers!) Practical
Techniques for field collection and rapid surveys
Practical identification and taxonomy of invasive species
Species distribution and recording techniques
The importance of recording, rapid response and monitoring
This practical morning will focus on marine invasive species on the beaches and around the coasts
and has been designed for volunteer divers, marine naturalists and coastal workers. It will involve
an early start to take advantage of the low tide, when you’ll have the chance to take samples and
then identify them in the lab. Subsidised but small charge payable to Seasearch. Max 12 people.
Details of session locations to follow.
Local organiser is Liz Charter, DEFA tel 695741 or 450078 (Liz.charter@govt.im)
Booking form
Please tick session you are booking for
a) theoretical sessions Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th afternoons (1.30 - 5.00 pm)
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b) practical session Friday 4th April morning (8am – 12 noon)
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c) practical session Saturday 5th April morning (8am – 12 noon)
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Name……………………………………………………………organisation……………………………………….
Email……………………………………………………………mobile phone number…………………………
Please return to Liz Charter at DEFA, Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St Johns, IM4 3AS
or email to Liz.charter@gov.im.