Solent Biosecurity Planning

The Solent Forum and partners are developing these webpages to help people working and living in the Solent to find out more about marine invasive species, what they look like and how to prevent and manage them using biosecurity measures. Having measures in place is good practice to protect the natural environment of the Solent, reduce biofouling costs and maintenance for local businesses, fulfil statutory environmental duties and assist with future licence and consent applications.

We have focused on three areas in the Solent and for each we will provide site information, a biosecurity plan and a range of sector specific resources. The first phase in the development of this work will be three free workshops where we hope to get the experience and input of those moving, managing and maintaining both vessels and waterside infrastructure in the Solent. The dates are as follows:

• Eastern harbours (Portsmouth, Langstone, Chichester) - workshop to be held on 15 March 2023 at the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth.
• Western Solent and Southampton Water (incl. Itchen and Hamble Rivers) - workshop to be held on 22 March 2023 at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton.
• Isle of Wight - workshop to be held on 30 March 2023 at UK Sailing Academy, Cowes.

Please book the workshops using our online booking form or email your details and choice to: solentforum@hants.gov.uk. The core content of the workshops will remain the same, so please feel free to book any of them if you can't make the date of your closest location.

What are marine invasive species?

Invasive species are those that have been transported outside their natural range and damage our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live. Once established marine invasive species are extremely difficult to eradicate, control and manage. Shipping, ferries and recreational boating are known ways that species travel between areas and the Solent has high volumes of these activities. The risk of successful establishment is also increased by the presence of artificial structures, a factor that is highly relevant to certain areas of the Solent that have been developed.

Marine invasive species pose a threat to the Solent’s native biodiversity and recreation and fishery industries, especially shellfisheries, due to their potential to threaten native species, habitats or whole ecosystems. They also interfere with the operation of man-made structures and business interests through increased maintenance and cleaning of vessels and infrastructure. 

What is biosecurity planning? 

Biosecurity planning is developing a set of measures that aim to prevent the introduction and spread of marine invasive species. We will be developing a range of resources for people to use over the course of 2023.

How people living and working in the Solent can be involved

During the lifetime of this project we would like to build a network of interested organisations and groups in the Solent for each of three focus areas. We can then share information with you on this topic and invite you to the relevant free workshops, the first of which will be held in March 2023. Please can you fill in our online form or email us if you would like to attend a workshop or receive further information.