Alien and locally absent species

KEY POINTS

Scope

The regulation applies to:

• movements of alien species (introductions)⁴ or locally absent species (translocations)⁵ for their use in aquaculture in the EU;
• all types of aquaculture installation. Nevertheless, it lays down special rules relating to closed aquaculture facilities. Movements of non-native or locally absent species to be kept in closed aquaculture facilities may be exempted from the requirement to obtain a permit on condition that they are transported under conditions that prevent them from spreading in the environment. EU countries must keep a regularly updated list of closed aquaculture facilities.

It does not apply to:

• translocations of organisms within EU countries, except if there is a risk to the environment;
• pet shops, garden centres or aquaria where there is no contact with EU waters;
• the species listed in Annex IV, except for certain cases.

It covers all aquatic species, including any part that might survive and reproduce.

Measures for avoiding adverse effects on biodiversity

EU countries must:

• introduce measures to avoid adverse effects on biodiversity resulting from the movement of aquatic organisms for aquaculture purposes and from the spreading of those organisms;
• monitor and inspect aquaculture activities to ensure
  • closed aquaculture facilities comply with the requirements laid down by this regulation; and
  • transport to or from such facilities takes place under conditions which prevent the escape of alien species or non-target species.

Permits

Any movement of an alien aquatic organism to an aquaculture facility requires a permit issued by the receiving EU country. To obtain this permit, the aquaculture operator must submit an application providing certain information, including:

• the name and characteristics of the organism concerned;
• the proposed destination and the reason for the movement;
• the potential impact on the environment;
• the measures to manage and monitor the movement, etc.

Routine movement

In the case of movement from a source known not to pose a risk to the environment, the competent authority may issue a permit indicating, where applicable, requirements for quarantine⁶ or pilot release⁷.

Non-routine movement

In the case of non-routine movement, an environmental risk assessment must be carried out. If the level of risk is assessed to be medium or high, the applicant and the administration concerned must examine whether there are ways to reduce the risk to a low level. If the level of risk is reduced to low, the competent authority may issue a permit indicating, where appropriate, requirements for quarantine, pilot release or monitoring⁸.

Movements affecting neighbouring EU countries

EU countries likely to be affected by a movement of marine organisms must be informed and send their comments to the European Commission, which will confirm, cancel or amend the permit.

Register

EU countries must keep a register of introductions and translocations containing all the information relating to them. The registers are to be made available to the public.

The majority of EU countries have dedicated a specific web page on the regulation and the register is generally accessible from there.