The implementation of the EU Regulation n°1143/2014 on IAS requires sound scientific input to design adequate actions of prevention, early warning and rapid response and management. The role of scientists is important to advise authorities on the way they should prioritize their efforts and to provide necessary evidence, e.g. when choosing management methods. An efficient collaboration between environmental agencies and scientific experts is therefore needed. In Belgium, the National Scientific Secretariat on Invasive Alien Species has been created to act as a science-policy interface, compile the required data and perform appropriate analysis to feed into the policy making process. Using three case studies as an example, we will present the opportunities and challenges of providing evidence based scientific advice to environmental authorities. The first case study deals with the identification of priority pathways of unintentional spread and introduction of IAS for which preventative measures should be devised. Based on an assessment of the number of species that are being transported along the pathways, and the impact of those species, we advised authorities on the pathways that should be tackled by actions plans. The second example deals with support to the border control agencies in the enforcement of Article 15 on border controls. To this end, we advised which plant and animal consignments should be prioritised for identity checks. This analysis serves as the basis for a first coordinated national campaign of inspections at borders and in shops. Finally, the third example is the production of an assessment of the feasibility of management of Union list species, to inform future management strategies of the environmental agencies. These assessments highlight the need of increased data quality and quantity (on interceptions, imports or management of species). It also stresses the challenge of adapting the analyses to the reality and priorities of environmental authorities.
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Aquatic ecosystems are one of the most impacted ecosystems by biological invasions. Potential invasion pressure of the species already present in freshwater systems in Belgium is particularly high. Since eradication or long-term management of invasive species in these systems is challenging if not impossible, preventing new introductions and spread of species already present is crucial. Therefore, it is paramount to convince water users to adopt biosecurity measures to prevent the unintentional transportation of propagules of IAS while performing their hobby or professional activity. To develop a biosecurity campaign for Belgian anglers, a national online survey for anglers was organized during the spring of 2023. The aim of this survey was manyfold: gain a better understanding of angler information channels, angler mobility and angling frequency, assess current routines of equipment maintenance and bait disposal and also assess anglers’ awareness and perception on the issue of biological invasions. Results indicated that there is a real risk that anglers can introduce IAS in uninvaded systems either by unintentionally moving organisms around by changing locations during one trip (one fourth of anglers) or by bringing them back from abroad (45% of anglers). This is especially true since only 7% of anglers adhere to the full check-clean-dry routine after each trip. Additionally, sometimes anglers indicated to move undesired species to another location. However, respondents’ perception on IAS was rather negative, with anglers citing them amongst the five main threats for angling indicating they could be concerned allies in the fight against IAS. The results of the survey will inform our future work with the angling community in Belgium to design adequate messages, efficiently reach the target audience and assess if the campaign had an influence on angler habits and awareness. Keywords Awareness; Check Clean Dry; Prevention
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