CONSULTATION BRIEF
Start date: 11 December 2019
Closing date: 29 January 2020
Title of the public consultation: Public Consultation: Action Plan Addressing Escape From Confinement of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) of Union Concern 2020 (Pets, Aquaria and Terrarium species)
Ministry: Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change
Entity: Environment & Resources Authority (ERA)
1. Background
In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has prepared an Action Plan Addressing Escape From Confinement of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) of Union Concern 2020 (Pets, Aquaria and Terrarium species), in line with Article 13 (Action plans on the pathways of invasive alien species) of Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.
Malta carried out a comprehensive analysis on the routes and mechanisms (pathways) of the unintentional introduction and spread of IAS of Union concern and identified the priority pathway for such species. The analysis covered forty-eight species, and concluded that the principal mode of introduction/spread is through the escape from confinement of pet/aquarium/terrarium species. Indeed, four out of six IAS of EU concern that have been recorded in the Maltese islands (i.e. Red-eared slider, Red swamp crayfish, Marbled crab and Signal crayfish) are believed to have been introduced through this pathway.
This pathway includes both escapes (i.e. escapes of pet animals, spread of aquatic plants from garden ponds during heavy rains, inappropriate disposal of aquarium/garden pond waters containing seeds, plant fragments, eggs, larvae, and so forth) and the deliberate release of unwanted specimens.
The Action Plan describes measures to address the highlighted pathway, and also includes a timetable for action.
2. Consultation
1. Do you agree with the actions proposed in this action plan?
2. Are there any other actions which you think should be included in the action plan?
3. Documents
Action Plan for a priority pathway of potential unintentional introduction of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) of Union concern
Report on comments submitted during ‘Intent and Objectives’ stage
4. Submission of feedback
E-mail: [email protected]
5. Further notes
Please be informed that comments submitted, together with the identity of the contributor, may be published online at the end of the public consultation, unless the contributor objects to the publication of his/her personal data. In this case, the contribution may be published in anonymous form.
All comments submitted shall be duly considered.
