URGENT action is needed to halt the spread of invasive species threatening native plants and animals across Europe, a Belfast scientist has said.
Professor Jaimie Dick of Queen's University Belfast last night said the threats posed by these invaders cost an estimated £2 billion across Britain and Ireland each year.
He is calling on governments to commit long-term investment in a EU-wide strategy to manage the problem.
Killer slugs, Asian ladybirds and ornamental knotweed are among species expected to be blacklisted by Brussels. "Alien plant and animal species cause environmental, economic and social damage across Europe, and their rate of invasion is set to increase in the coming years," Prof Dick said. "The EU has formulated a comprehensive plan to address the threats posed by these species, but adequate resourcing by the EU and member states, in terms of funding, staff and equipment, will be crucial in ensuring this plan is put into action."
Prof Dick added that the impact to the ecosystems included "damaging the physical environment and even threatening human and animal health", which would lead to the costs to agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
Suzanne McGonagle