The ALIENS project was recently funded (March 2004) by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. The Aliens Consortium is a collaboration of research institutes and university departments whose overall objective is to provide information on invasive species biology and distribution, rates and methods of dispersal, and impacts on biodiversity, so that species and habitats listed under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan can be protected. The Consortium will liaise closely with environment agencies.

The information will be publicised and made accessible in order to aid decision makers and promote conservation of marine and freshwater biodiversity.

Five UK research institutes will conduct the research and these institutes will liaise closely with JNCC and DEFRA throughout the 3 year lifespan of the project. These institutes include; SAMS, the Marine Biological Association of the UK, the University of Belfast, the University of Plymouth and the Natural History Museum, London.

This project will concentrate on seven alien species;

  • Caprella mutica (Japanese skeleton shrimp).
  • Codium fragile subsp. tomentosoides (Green sea fingers)
  • Sargassum muticum (Wireweed or Japanese weed)
  • Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame)
  • Styela clava (Leathery sea squirt)
  • Perophora japonica: a colonial sea squirt
  • Eriocheir sinensis (Chinese mitten crab)

The study will involve:

  • a rigorous assessment of the potential risks posed by the seven alien species;
  • a reporting system highlighting new invasions and monitoring the spread of alien species into new areas in the UK;
  • the development of potential measures for the control of alien species;
  • the management of activities linked to the introduction and/or spread of alien species;
  • the provision of advice for organisations responsible for implementing Biodiversity Action Plans and/or managing marine protected areas and scheduled species;
  • raising public awareness and understanding of the issue of alien species through dedicated Marine Life Information Network (MarLIN) web pages, links to conservation agencies and popular articles.

If anyone would like any further information about the ALIENS project, please contact Dr Liz Cook (ejc@sams.ac.uk)