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Action plan against invasive

speciesJune 2017

2 | Danish EPA

Title: Action plan against invasive species

Published by: The Danish Environmental Protection Agency Haraldsgade 53 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø Denmark www.mst.dk 2017

Editors: Danish EPA

ISBN: 978-87-7120-904-4

Front page photo: iStock

Layout: Mette Friis-Mikkelsen

Danish EPA | 3

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1 Background information about invasive species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.1 What are native and alien species? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.2 Introduction and pathways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1.3 When are alien species invasive? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1.4 Climate and invasive species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2 Consequences of introduction and spread of invasive species . . . . . . 15

2.1 Effects on biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152.1.1 Ecosystem level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152.1.2 Species level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152.1.3 Genetic level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.2 Effects on the economy, society and human health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

3 Measures against invasive species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3.1 Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253.1.1 Knowledge base about invasive species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253.1.2 Ban on invasive species on the Union list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283.1.3 Exemptions from bans on species on the Union

list through special approvals and authorisations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283.1.4 Ban on invasive species of concern in Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293.1.5 Pathways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

3.2 Early detection and rapid eradication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313.2.1 Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313.2.2 Analysis of future threats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363.2.3 Public monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363.2.4 Rapid eradication of new invasive species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

3.3 Monitoring and control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373.3.1 Measures to control species that are already widespread . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393.3.2 Nature restoration following control measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

3.4 Information and knowledge sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

3.5 National and international cooperation on invasive species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443.5.1 National cooperation between authorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443.5.2 Cooperation with national invasive species experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443.5.3 EU cooperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453.5.4 Cooperation with neighbouring countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Annex 1: Legislation relevant for invasive species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Annex 2: EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species – content, actions and timeframe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Annex 3: Invasive species assessed to have the greatest adverse impact in Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Annex 4: Measures in relation to the 66 invasive species with the greatest adverse impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Annex 5: Bans on invasive species in Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Annex 6: The advisory group on invasive species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Contents

4 | Danish EPA

Definitions

This action plan uses the definitions in Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 of the

European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and

management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, which are

as follows:

Native species: Species which have migrated naturally to Denmark or Danish

waters, or where Denmark is a part of the species’ natural range. Denmark is

estimated to be home to approx. 35,000 native species.

Alien species: Any live specimen of a species, subspecies or lower taxon of

animals, plants, fungi or micro-organisms introduced outside its natural range; it

includes any part, gametes, seeds, eggs or propagules of such species, as well as

any hybrids, varieties or breeds that might survive and subsequently reproduce.

Invasive alien species: An alien species whose introduction or spread has been

found to threaten or adversely impact upon biodiversity and related ecosystem

services. In this action plan, the term ”invasive species” will be used as a synonym

of ”invasive alien species”.

Biodiversity: The variability among living organisms from all sources, including

terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of

which they are part. This includes diversity within species, between species and of

ecosystems.

Ecosystem services: The direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to

human wellbeing.

Introduction: The movement, as a consequence of human intervention, of a

species outside its natural range.

Pathways: Routes and mechanisms of the introduction and spread of invasive

alien species.

Furthermore, the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species means: Regulation

(EU) No. 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October

2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of

invasive alien species.

Organisms harmful to plants/harmful organisms means: pests of plants or

of plant products, which belong to the animal or plant kingdoms, or which are

viruses, mycoplasmas or other pathogens.

Danish EPA | 5

Preface

Invasive species may seem an abstract concept. Practically all Danes have come to know the Portu-

guese slug on forest paths or in their kitchen gardens, and they know they should never touch the giant

hogweed. However, what few people think about is that invasive species are not only a nuisance to the

individual. More importantly, they pose a challenge to biodiversity in Denmark. Invasive species often

have few or no natural enemies, and as a result, they force native Danish species away from habitats.

For example, the dwarf mountain pine, an invasive plant species, can grow in Danish sand dunes and

transform the unique Danish dune landscapes into forest-like areas. Invasive species also affect the econ-

omy. According to the Danish Economic Council Secretariat, costs related to invasive species amount to

almost DKK 1 bn. every year.

We in the Danish Government believe that we share a common responsibility and a moral obligation to

take good care of nature in Denmark and to preserve it for future generations. That is why I now present

this new action plan against invasive species.

International cooperation is a vital component when managing invasive species, because species mi-

grate naturally across national borders and are transported by humans. Therefore, I’m pleased that in

2014, the EU Member States agreed on a joint effort to manage a number of invasive species of concern

across Europe. Common to these species is that it is illegal to trade or keep them, and as a general rule

they must be controlled in the relevant EU Member States. However, there are also invasive species that,

so far, only pose a threat to biodiversity in Denmark.

We need to target our efforts to where they have the greatest effect. This action plan contains a number

of preventive initiatives because it is cheaper to prevent than to eradicate. With regard to prevention,

I have selected 14 species of special concern in Denmark. I want to introduce a ban on trade in these

species in order to ensure that our hard work to control species such as the Japanese rose in nature is

not undermined by people buying the plant at a nursery. That’s common sense. Furthermore, we are

enhancing our surveillance efforts so that invasive species are detected as early as possible and can be

eradicated before they cause damage to nature in Denmark. Experience shows that a rapid response

can save both the Danish state and Danes a lot of money on the long term.

Biodiversity is our common responsibility and should be addressed in joint efforts by the Government,

the municipalities, stakeholders, including the forestry and agricultural sectors, and not least ordinary cit-

izens. This requires informative initiatives and regulation that allow more people to join in. Consequently,

I’ve made it possible for hunters to help control all invasive species on the Union list as well as species of

national concern in Denmark. We have conducted campaigns to inform garden owners on how to man-

age invasive species. Moreover, the municipalities will have expanded opportunities to control the giant

hogweed. The more people involved, the greater the impact of our efforts.

In this action plan, you can read more about the variety of efforts aimed at ensuring the right conditions

for Danish nature to become more diverse, richer and more robust. It is my hope that all the responsible

parties will use this action plan for inspiration, guidance and action.

Esben Lunde Larsen

6 | Danish EPA

Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus)The brown rat is an invasive species which has spread throughout the world with the help of humans.

Photo: iStock

Danish EPA | Background information about invasive species | 7

1 Background information about invasive species

1.1 What are native and alien species?All wild plant and animal species only occur naturally within a specific geographically defined area.

The species are said to be native to a specific territory known as the natural range of the species. The

natural range may vary in size from a whole continent to a small island, and the limits may be defined

by oceans, mountain ranges, rivers or climate zones. For marine species, limits may be defined by

differences in water temperature or salinity. Within this territory, the species is competing with other

species for food and space, it is exposed to disease and unfavourable weather conditions, it is in a

mutual dependency with other species and is e.g. the source of food for one or more animal species.

Throughout history, people have relocated plants and animals across geographical barriers which

originally served as natural limits to their dispersal. Moreover, physical barriers which would other-

wise prevent the species from spreading have been broken down by human activity. Examples of this

are canals dug between different aquatic areas.

Plant and animal species that are not native to Denmark are referred to as alien species. They are also

known as introduced species, exotic species or non-indigenous species. A species is either native or

alien; it cannot be both at the same time. The range of species is dynamic, and consequently a spe-

cific assessment is required when determining whether a species occurring close to Denmark should

be considered as a native species.

In Denmark, over the last 300 years, a total of 2,459 alien species have been registered in nature:

1,798 plant species, 657 animal species and 4 fungi species. The trend of still more introductions in an

ever more globalised world is evident in the number of new species introduced to Denmark per time

unit; this number has grown considerably over the past 150 years, see Figure 1. The same trend can

be seen across the world.

New species may also migrate naturally to Denmark. Natural migration means that species spread

from their natural range to Denmark without human intervention, for example in response to climate

change. These species are considered native species and consequently they are not included in this

action plan. For more information about this distinction, see section 1.4.

Far from all of the species introduced to a new territory establish themselves, i.e. not all species re-

produce and sustain a permanent population. Alien species which do particularly well in Denmark

typically derive from territories with similar climate conditions, because these species are already

adapted to Danish climate conditions. Some alien species are not able to establish themselves, but

they live long enough to have an adverse impact on native species. Therefore, they should, de facto,

be treated as invasive species, even though they do not meet the definition with regard to being able

to reproduce. An example of such a species is the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) which may

8 | Danish EPA | Background information about invasive species

have an adverse impact on the ecosystem when released in large numbers. The grass carp cannot

reproduce in Denmark, but the population is maintained through repeated releases and due to the

relatively long lifetime of the carp, even though the grass carp often does not survive severe winters.

1.2 Introduction and pathwaysHuman activity has caused the spread of organisms in several different ways. Over time, travelling

times between the continents have become shorter and journeys to remote destinations have be-

come more common. Furthermore, the volume of international trade has increased significantly,

which means that goods are transported across national borders in large quantities. In our globalised

world, goods and live animals and plants are exchanged across borders and continents, not only in

larger volumes, but also faster than ever before.

In order for a species to be defined as alien to a territory, it must be relocated by humans to a territo-

ry outside the species’ natural range. The movement may be intentional when a species is imported

for a planned purpose, e.g. import of roses or tulips for cultivation in Denmark, or it may be unin-

tentional, as is the case for a large number of marine alien speciesintroduced for example through

ballast water from ships. Regardless of whether the species have been introduced intentionally or

Figure 1: The figure shows the accumulated number of alien species registered in nature in Denmark over

the past 300 years. Only species for which we know the year of their first detection in nature have been

included (1,547 out of 2,459). As shown in the figure, the number of new species introduced into Denmark

has increased. The total number of species introduced into Denmark is currently at 2,459 species (Data from

NOBANIS).

Number of species and years of introduction (15-year intervals)

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

<170

0

1715

1730

174

5

176

0

1775

179

0

180

5

1820

1835

1850

186

5

188

0

189

5

1910

1925

194

0

1955

1970

198

5

200

0

2015


unintentionally, they are all referred to as alien species. Figure 2 shows the percentage of intentional

and unintentional introductions of alien species into Denmark.

A species may also spread without human intervention to Denmark from another country into which

it has been introduced. This is known as secondary spread. An example of this is the Egyptian goose

(Alopochen aegyptiaca), which was originally introduced into Germany and the Netherlands as a

park bird. From there, it spread by itself to Denmark, where the number of specimens is growing.

Figure 3 shows the natural ranges of species introduced into Denmark. As illustrated by the figure,

most of the alien species originate from geographical regions that are similar or close to our region.

When alien species are introduced into new regions, the human activity enabling the spread is

known as the species’ pathway. The pathway may be, for example, ”agriculture” or ”transport”. As

shown in Figure 4, in Denmark, the main pathways by number of species are ”horticulture”, followed

by ”agriculture”, and ”forestry”. Many alien species have been introduced by humans, but the path-

way is unknown. Other species have been introduced through several different pathways, possibly

simultaneously, but introduction could also have taken place at different times. For example, the rac-

Figure 2: Percentage of alien species introduced intentionally or unintentionally. 41 % of alien species in

Denmark have been introduced intentionally, and 56 % have been introduced unintentionally. Some species

have been introduced both intentionally and unintentionally, and consequently, the sum of species exceeds

the total number of alien species in Denmark (Data from NOBANIS).

Unintentional/intentional introduction of all alien species

3%

56%

41%Unintentional

Intentional

Unknown


coon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) has been introduced both through escapes in Denmark and

through secondary spread from previous releases in Eastern Europe.

1.3 When are alien species invasive?A small number of alien species thrive so well in the territory into which they have been introduced

that they have an adverse impact on biodiversity and related ecosystem services. These species are

referred to as invasive alien species, or simply invasive species. By definition, invasive species have

been introduced, i.e. they have been relocated by humans from their natural range, either intention-

ally or unintentionally; they have established themselves in their new environment; and they have an

adverse impact on biodiversity.

The total number of invasive species in Denmark is estimated at 130. Of the species introduced into

a new territory, only a small percentage establish themselves in natural ecosystems. Of the spe-

cies establishing themselves, a small percentage will become invasive. Consequently, only a small

percentage of the alien species introduced can be expected to become invasive and thus have an

Figure 3: Origin of alien species in Denmark. The figure is based on data from all 2,459 introduced species

registered in Denmark. The total number may exceed the number of alien species, because one species may

originate from two regions. Only species whose origin is known have been included. For approx. half of the

alien species (1881), there is no registration of their origin (Data from NOBANIS).

Known natural distribution

2

3

8

15

15

28

126

132

379

598

978 Europe

Asia

North America

South America

Africa

Oceania

North Pacific Ocean

North Atlantic Ocean

South Pacific Ocean

Indian Ocean

South Atlantic Ocean


adverse impact on the natural ecosystems or the economy, society and human health. It is very hard

to predict which alien species will become invasive, even though invasive species often share certain

characteristics.

To sum up, invasive species are a subset of alien species. This is illustrated in Figure 5.

1.4 Climate and invasive species Climate change may cause changes to species’ natural range. As a result, new species come to Den-

mark, and it is important to distinguish these new species from alien and invasive species.

When species expand or move their natural range by themselves, e.g. due to climate change, so that

it also covers Denmark, they will be not treated as alien or invasive species according to the defini-

tion, and consequently they are not covered by this action plan. Examples of such species are the

Italian striped bug (Graphosoma lineatum) and the wasp spider (Argiope bruennichi), both of which

have expanded their range further north because of warmer temperatures. Other examples are

Figure 4: Pathways for the spread of alien species to Denmark. The figure shows that the pathways are

unknown for most species. ”Horticulture” is the most common known pathway, followed by ”agriculture”,

”transport”, ”forestry” and ”ballast water/sediments” (Data from NOBANIS).

Number of species broken down by pathway

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

4

4

4

10

10

12

21

37

40

42

46

49

64

65

77

292

813

1071

Park and decorative animals

Livestock

Biological control

Hunting

Fouling on ships/boat

Angling and hobby fishing

Aquarium

Secondary introduction

Aquaculture

Landscape management

Escaped

Medicine

Ballast water and sediments

Forestry

Transport

Agriculture

Horticulture

Unknown


species which used to be native to Denmark and which are now returning (e.g. the wolf), or species

which are released in new locations within their natural range (e.g. the beaver).

Despite this, climate change may influence the number of invasive species. Climate change may cre-

ate a permanent change in the ecosystems, e.g. by altering the competition regime , thus providing

better conditions for invasive species to establish themselves.

Number of invasive alien species

Figure 5: Subset of invasive species of all alien species in Denmark. Only 5 % (130 species) of all alien species

are considered invasive in Denmark, which means that the majority (2,332 species) are alien species without

a documented adverse impact. A total of 2,462 alien species have been registered in Denmark. (Data from

NOBANIS).

5%

95%2299

130

Alien

Invasive


Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is an exam-ple of a species that has been able to establish itself in Denmark due to climatic change already occurring. Pacific oysters originate from Japan and South East Asia and were introduced through aquaculture in the German North Sea in 1893. Back then, the water temperature in Danish waters was not high enough for the oyster to breed. There-fore, Pacific oysters remained within aquaculture sites for a number of years. Climate changes such as increasing water temperatures have allowed Pacific oysters to reproduce in the North Sea since 1990, and the species has now established a population, ranging from the Wadden Sea to the Kattegat.

Pacific oysters are likely to become a serious threat to the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis), because the large oysters settle on the blue mussels and filter out the food that the blue mussels were to feed on. If the blue mussel disappears, this will affect a large number of species for which the blue mussel is an important food source, e.g. common eider, oystercatcher and herring gull. Furthermore, there is a risk of Pacific oysters having an adverse impact on blue mussel harvesting, changing eco-systems by forming compact reefs and reducing the recreational value of beaches.

Farming of Pacific oysters must be in accordance with section 31 of the Nature Protection Act and Council Regulation no. 708/2007. The Pacific oys-ter is spreading in Danish waters with potential adverse impacts on native species and their habi-tats, and farming may cause the species to spread further. Release of Pacific oysters is subject to dispensation under section 31 of the Nature Pro-tection Act. Generally, the practice is not to grant such dispensation because the species is invasive and due to the risk of further dispersal

Today, there is no immediate possibility to control this species without having an adverse impact on native species, but its number can be limited through collection and/or fishing out.

If fishing for the species can be balanced with nature conservation measures, and the fisheries industry is able to sell the species for consump-tion, this will benefit the marine environment and the local economy. Fishing for Pacific oysters is considered to be one of several activities that may limit the spread of the species in Danish waters.

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Pacific oystersPhoto: Stefan Nehring, NOBANIS.


Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris)The native red squirrel has disappeared or is severely declining in number in some territories, e.g. in England, where the invasive grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) from North America has been introduced.

Photo: Colourbox

Danish EPA | Consequences of introduction and spread of invasive species | 15

2 Consequences of introduction and spread of invasive species

The introduction and spread of invasive species have serious consequences. Invasive species may

cause substantial losses in biodiversity, or even eradicate native species altogether. Invasive species

may also transmit diseases to humans, cause allergies and result in financial damage, such as crop

losses and destruction of infrastructure. Invasive species exhibit different behaviours in nature: some

spread rapidly to several ecosystems, causing adverse impacts on several native species, whereas

others only affect one native species. Similarly, the consequences vary in severity, and may be local

or national, or they may cover entire biogeographical or climatic zones.

2.1 Effects on biodiversityIn the following, the adverse impacts of invasive species on biodiversity will be divided into the three

biological levels introduced in the Convention on Biological Diversity: Ecosystem level, species level

and genetic level.

2.1.1 Ecosystem levelThe effect of invasive species on an ecosystem may vary from a minor, non-visible effect to a com-

pletely changed ecosystem. Effects on ecosystems may be caused by invasive species changing

the physical/chemical conditions, e.g. by adding nutrients to the soil, thus allowing new organisms to

thrive in an area. Another potential problem at ecosystem level is erosion caused by invasive species,

such as butterbur (Petasites hybridus) covering an area. During winter, when the butterbur withers,

the areas around the banks of watercourses are left barren, without any vegetation to protect the soil.

Invasive species may subject native species to fierce competition, thus causing populations to be

eradicated or severely reduced. This leads to a change in the role of the native species in the eco-

system. An example of this is the giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), which is replacing

native species by blocking the sunlight. Consequently, vegetation growing under the giant hogweed

dies due to lack of light. Other plant species with rapid growth, e.g. dwarf mountain pine (Pinus

mugo) and Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa), may replace natural vegetation in habitat types, such as

sand dunes and heaths through heavy overgrowth. Such changes may not only affect the flora, but

also the many butterflies and other animals connected to these specific plants that can possibly only

live on and from these plants.

2.1.2 Species levelInvasive species may eradicate native species that are not adapted to co-exist with the new species.

For example, the invasive species may eat the native species, and hinder or even incapacitate na-

tive-species reproduction. In Denmark, the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) takes the eggs and chicks

Japanese rosePhoto: iStock

16 | Danish EPA | Consequences of introduction and spread of invasive species

Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa)

Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa) is a branched shrub with long roots. A single plant may cover an area of more than 1000 m2. The plant was introduced into Denmark in the 19th century as an ornamen-tal plant from the north-eastern part of Asia, and was first observed in the wild in 1875. Today, the Japanese rose is often found in summer cottage areas, at game shelters, in gardens and especially along the coast, where it may replace plant spe-cies growing naturally in the area. This also has an effect on animal species connected specifically to these plant species. The dense scrubland may also cause dune formations in areas which have not had dunes before.

The Japanese rose is so widely spread throughout Denmark that eradication is no longer considered to be practicable or financially possible. The pes-ticides agreement between the Government and the municipalities means that the authorities are working to phase out the use of pesticides and that consequently, other methods are being used

instead to control the Japanese rose. Apart from herbicides, the most efficient method to control the species is targeted digging up of the plants. Furthermore, sheep and goats are used in several places in Denmark to graze areas with Japanese roses, and currently methods with covering and hoeing are being tested.

Re-establishment of original vegetation should be part of plans and efforts to control the species, in particular if digging up has been one of the methods used. Re-establishment of vegetation in meagre soil has turned out to be most successful if the area is left to manage itself.

Moreover, it is important that areas where the Japanese rose is not yet present are kept free from the plant. This is relevant, for example, in Natura 2000 sites, and control of the Japanese rose is often described in specific Natura 2000 plans.

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of gulls and terns, and on a global scale, the omnivorous brown rat has contributed to eradication of

several bird populations, e.g. the storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus).

In some cases, invasive species bring diseases or are hosts or vectors for parasites attacking native

species. An example of such a disease is the crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci) which came to

Denmark with released signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) from North America. These signal

crayfish transmitted crayfish plague to the native crayfish species, the European crayfish (Astacus

astacus), which is now at risk of extinction due to this disease, whereas the signal crayfish is largely

unaffected by the very same disease.

2.1.3 Genetic levelThere are large or small genetic variations within each species. Some of these variations are deter-

mined by geographic location. The hereditary traits that are useful for long summers in Central Eu-

rope are not necessarily the same hereditary traits that the same species needs in northern Norway.

A local population of a widely spread species can genetically adjust to local conditions. For many

species, a broad range of genetic variation is therefore important to their survival in the long term.

This element of biodiversity – genetic variation – is rarely observable to the naked eye, but when peo-

ple relocate animal varieties or plant populations, these valuable variations are at risk of being lost.

Cultivated plants can act invasively, as can be seen by the cultivated carrot (Daucus corota ssp.sati-

vus), that naturally interbreeds with its wild relative (Daucus carota). The hybrids of this crossing are

crossed back with the wild carrot, and genes from cultivated carrots are thereby transferred to the

wild relative. This relationship has presumably had a significant genetic influence on the wild carrot

throughout time.

A genetic hybridisation can sometimes occur between closely related species. If this so-called hybrid-

isation moves a gene pool in a certain direction, it is called introgression, e.g. if one species is much

more common than another, and therefore only the genes of the one species survive. An example

of introgression is the invasive American ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) that crosses with the en-

dangered European white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala). The white-headed duck is very rare

and does not breed in Denmark. The nearest populations can be found in southern Spain. When the

American ruddy duck crosses with the white-headed duck, the white-headed duck is no longer able

to produce offspring with another white-headed duck and the species therefore moves closer to

extinction. This is why the American ruddy duck has been included in the EU Regulation on invasive

alien species. Even though the American ruddy duck is not established in all European countries, it is

important that it is controlled in areas where it is an alien species in order to prevent the population

from becoming so large that it spreads to areas where the white-headed duck reside.

2.2 Effects on the economy, society and human healthIn 2009, the EU calculated the total socio-economic costs of invasive species in the EU to be DKK 93-

149 billion (EUR 12.5-20 billion) per annum and rising. In the 2014 report ”Economy and Environment”

by the Danish Economic Councils, the costs of damage from invasive species in Denmark was esti-

mated, with significant uncertainty, to be almost DKK 1 billion per annum. The costs of the adverse

impact on biodiversity were not included, as they are difficult to value.

The socio-economic costs of invasive species can be divided into costs of damage and costs of

measures:

• Damage costs are the aggregate direct and indirect socio-economic costs of the damage caused

by invasive species. Costs of damage consist of changes to ecosystems (i.e. deteriorated biodiversi-

ty, including the loss of species and natural habitats as well as the loss of amenity, ecosystem integ-

rity and services, and functionality), reduced production, damage to infrastructure and buildings,

Signal crayfishPhoto: iStock


Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)

Signal crayfish is an example of an invasive spe-cies which, in practice, is considered impossible to eradicate. It is indigenous to North America and was introduced to Denmark in the 1970s. Over the past 40 years, signal crayfish have spread throughout Danish watercourses aided by hu-mans, even though release is not allowed without prior dispensation (according to section 31 of the Nature Protection Act).

Signal crayfish are widespread in water systems throughout Denmark, and in 2010 they were also discovered in coastal waters in the Danish part of the Baltic Sea. The crayfish has a high dispersal potential as, in addition to spreading quickly in watercourses, it can also move over land in damp vegetation and thereby also invade isolated lakes. Signal crayfish has the same ecological niche as the European crayfish, but it is more aggressive and therefore displaces the European crayfish.

The species also has a significant effect on plant life in the aquatic environment as it consumes a large quantity of plants. Like the European crayfish, signal crayfish dig holes in banks along

watercourses, and since the signal crayfish is larger than the European crayfish, this may lead to serious consequences and cause soil erosion that damages the watercourses. However, the most serious adverse impact of the signal crayfish is caused by it being a carrier of a fungus; crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci). The European cray-fish is not resistant to crayfish plague and will die shortly after infection, while the signal crayfish is a healthy carrier of the disease.

Complete eradication is impossible due to the extensive distribution of signal crayfish. Moreo-ver, there is no indication that signal crayfish can be eradicated in water systems where they are already established. Controlled fishery of signal crayfish has not had significant effect and it re-quires many resources. This can be seen by the results from the Allinge Å project, where there is still a large population after 14 months of intense controlled fishery of about 100,000 signal cray-fish. Therefore, there is no known cost-effective management method.

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Citrus long-horned beetle (Anoplophora chinensis)In 2011, a single occurrence of the citrus long-horned beetle was discovered in Denmark and it was quickly eradicated. It had been introduced by imported maple trees from China.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons


as well as health effects e.g. asthma and allergies. Although valuation of the effect on biodiversity

and ecosystem services is rarely available for individual species, and is often not included, it is still

important to clarify the consequences, even though it will be with significant uncertainty, and the

uncertainty should, as a minimum, be described qualitatively.

• Costs of measures include expenditure in connection with prevention, control and regulation of

invasive species.

In some cases, there can be an economic benefit in connection with hunting, harvesting or produc-

ing invasive species. For example, the production of American mink (Neovison vison) contributes to

the Danish economy and these financial benefits should be included in an overall economic calcula-

tion.

It is important to apply the precautionary principle in the management of invasive species, given that

some invasive species can cause irreversible environmental impacts.


The precautionary principle in the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species

The Danish EPA is the competent authority for the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species in

Denmark. The EPA may apply the precautionary principle in connection with e.g. Articles 8 and

10 of the EU Regulation that apply to carrying out measures on the basis of available scientific

evidence. Use of the precautionary principle for invasive species is based on preamble 20 of the

EU Regulation:

”There may be cases where alien species not yet recognised as invasive alien species of Union

concern appear at the Union borders or are detected in the territory of the Union. Member

States should therefore be granted the possibility to adopt certain emergency measures on

the basis of available scientific evidence. Such emergency measures would allow immediate

reaction against invasive alien species which could pose risks related to their introduction, esta-

blishment and spread in those countries, while Member States assess the actual risks posed by

them, in line with the applicable provisions of the relevant Agreements of the WTO, in particular

with a view to having those species recognised as invasive alien species of Union concern. There

is a need to couple national emergency measures with the possibility of adopting emergency

measures at Union level to comply with the provisions of the relevant Agreements of the WTO.

Furthermore, emergency measures at Union level would equip the Union with a mechanism to

act swiftly in case of presence or imminent danger of entry of a new invasive alien species in

accordance with the precautionary principle.”

In order to ensure cost-effective management of invasive species, the cost of measures must gen-

erally be lower than the total socio-economic cost imposed by the species. In this respect, the lack

of valuation of natural assets is a challenge, for example in the case of natural assets that we wish to

protect. Preventative measures to reduce the risk of introduction or population increase will normally

be the best and most cost-effective. Determining optimal measures against an invasive species and

calculating the economic consequences of these, depends on whether the species is already present

in Denmark.

In the case of invasive species that are already present, it is vital to determine how far they have

spread, because possible measures must be determined in relation to this. Invasive species living in

fresh or marine waters are examples of where it is technologically impossible to remove the invasive

species, or at best, it would be very resource demanding. Any measure will therefore not be com-

mensurate with the costs of damage.

In the case of invasive species that are not yet present, it would be appropriate to carry out a pre-

ventative measure in order to reduce the risk of the species being introduced. Prevention is generally

considered better and more cost-effective than subsequent control. Prevention will require estimates

of expected costs of damage and measures in order to determine whether a preventative measure is

the most cost-effective.

The measure may aim at population control or the complete eradication of the species. Both types

are referred to as a control measure, although they have different objectives. The first type is also re-

ferred to as a containment measure, by which the population is kept down and spread is minimised.

Whereas the eradication of a species means complete eradication of the entire population. In general,

eradication is only possible for species that are very localised and/or that have a small population.


Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian goose is an example of an invasive species that has an adverse impact on other spe-cies – in this case, indigenous goose and duck species. The Egyptian goose is native to North Africa, south of the Sahara. It was introduced to the United Kingdom in the 18th century and to Holland in the 20th century as an ornamental bird for parks and gardens. The Egyptian goose was observed in Denmark for the first time in 1983, but it was not until 2000 that the first breeding pair was registered in Southern Jutland. Since then, the species has established itself in Denmark and the population is growing rapidly.

They are common throughout Denmark, but par-ticularly in Jutland. The Egyptian goose breeds near by freshwater lakes, especially lakes in gravel pits. Contrary to indigenous goose species, the Egyptian goose is territorial. It is very aggressive during the breeding season and has low tolerance towards other breeding birds in the area where it settles. This can prevent or destroy the breeding chances of indigenous species.

Furthermore, the Egyptian goose can hybridize with the native shelduck (Tadorna tadorna). It is more cost-effective to eradicate the Egyptian goose while the population is small, rather than later when the population has grown larger, as has been seen with other invasive species. The population is controlled by regulation, as it is per-mitted to hunt the Egyptian goose year round. It is difficult to eradicate the species entirely, as there seems to be a constant invasion from Germany. Effective control would therefore also require cooperation with Germany in order to minimise the migration of the Egyptian goose.

Egyptian goosePhoto: Colourbox

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Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)

The fungus that causes ash dieback originates from Asia and was very likely introduced to Den-mark with nursery plants. The fungus was first discovered in Denmark in 2002. It can outcom-pete the indigenous fungus, which was a harmless degrader of ash leaves. Ash dieback appears as dead buds in the top of the crown and dead areas of bark on trunks and branches. Ash dieback is lethal to domestic, self-sown and weakened trees. More mature trees can survive for many years with the fungus, but with weakened growth.

Ash dieback is an example of an invasive species with huge economic costs. The species is unwant-ed in Denmark as it has an adverse impact on biodiversity and results in significant economic losses. The biggest economic losses are incurred by forest owners with ash plantations. Ash dieback will result in a large economic loss to forestry due to reduced accretion, poorer wood grade, as well as the premature felling of mature ash, and the almost complete loss of young ash plantations and cultures. Ash dieback also affects forest areas. For example, costs in connection with replacing and pruning infected road trees.

The total costs are estimated to run into hundreds of millions of DKK. Ash dieback will alter the pro-tected habitat types with ash and elm, as the num-ber of ash trees will decrease significantly in the long run. It is expected that a change in the num-ber of ash trees will also result in changes to forest floor fauna and an increase in insects linked with dead ash trees. In forests, a slow decline in the quantity of ash trees is expected, possibly down to 10 % of the original population size.

Complete eradication of ash dieback is difficult due to the extensive distribution of the fungus. Successful management of the fungus in forests requires breeding genetically resistant ash trees.

For more isolated trees, such as city and road trees, removing dead leaves and pruning the in-fected trees can limit the damage and spread of the fungus.

Ash diebackPhoto: IGN

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American mink (Neovison vison previously Mustela vison)

In the 1930s, the American mink was introduced to Europe from Northern America with the intention of using the species for fur farming. Today, mink is an invasive species in Danish nature and has established itself almost all over the country. No estimate exists on the number of mink present in Danish nature, but the annual number of individu-als killed through hunting has fallen from 6,000 to 3-4,000, which may indicate that the mink popula-tion is declining.

The wild American mink is a significant threat to many species of breeding birds, amphibians and small mammals. The American mink may have an adverse impact on the breeding success of nest-ing water birds. Complete eradication of the mink is not likely, as the wild population is very mobile.

Today, Denmark is one of the world's largest pro-ducers of mink, with an annual production of over 18 million pelts with a total value of DKK 7.8 billion in 2014. There are around 1,600 mink farms in Denmark. Mink production also creates secondary employment in connection with tanning, design, etc. The containment procedures on mink farms have improved over time.

It is permitted to trap or shoot wild mink all year round. Furthermore, harbours, municipalities and fur breeders are required to participate in meas-ures to keep the population at an acceptable level. Moreover, an action plan to control mink has been prepared. The plan designates a number of par-ticularly vulnerable areas where special measures will be implemented to eradicate mink, see www.mst.dk

American mink Photo: Colourbox

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Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)The raccoon dog is indigenous to Asia and was introduced to Eastern Europe for hunting. Today, it has spread throughout Jutland and is a possible threat to indigenous birds and amphibians.

Photo: iStock

Danish EPA | Measures against invasive species | 25

3 Measures against invasive species

The management of invasive species reaches into many areas of Danish nature management. Inva-

sive species are a cross-border problem and it is therefore crucial that Danish measures against them

are carried out in coordination with measures in other countries.

This action plan describes the framework for managing invasive species in Denmark. The Danish

strategy for invasive species will be outlined in the following.

3.1 PreventionDanish measures focus on prevention as well as early detection and management of the invasive

species of most concern, both those listed by the EU and nationally. It will always be cheaper and

better to manage invasive species as early as possible and preferably prevent their introduction to

Denmark entirely. This eliminates potential future adverse impacts and costs.

3.1.1 Knowledge base about invasive speciesIn order to manage invasive species, and to make decisions based on expertise and societal consid-

erations, a solid scientific basis is required on the harmfulness of the invasive species. The Danish EPA

has used a new and more transparent scoring system for the current action plan where the ”inva-

siveness” of alien species i.e. the damage they cause to biodiversity and related ecosystem services is

assessed based on a scoring system.

This scoring system evaluates species based on the adverse impacts they cause or may cause. The

scores are either high (3), medium (2) or low (1) for each of the six categories: ”Dispersal potential”,

”colonisation of high conservation value habitats”, ”adverse impacts on native species”, ”alteration

of on ecosystem functions”, ”economic effects and health effects”. All alien species thereby receive

a score between 6 and 18, and this score can be used as a management tool. The scoring of the

individual parameters for each species is carried out by experts in the various species. In order for

a species to be called invasive, it must have a total score of at least 7, with a score of at least 2 in the

categories ”effect on indigenous species” and ”effect on ecosystem functions”. Table 1 shows all the

parameters and scores in the scoring system used for the evaluation of the harmfulness of alien spe-

cies in Denmark.

26 | Danish EPA | Measures against invasive species

Table 1: The parameters of the scoring system on the harmfulness of alien species to Denmark.

All species with a total score under 7 are alien but not invasive. A species is characterised as invasive if

it scores at least 7, including an aggregate score of at least 3 in the two categories ”effect on indigenous

species” and ”effect on ecosystem functions”. Species with a total score of 7, 8 or 9 have a low degree of

”invasiveness”. Species with a total score of 10-13 have a medium degree of ”invasiveness” and species with a

score of 14 or higher have a high degree of ”invasiveness”.

Parameter Total Score Invasive species, criteria

Dispersal potential 1, 2 or 3

Colonisation of high conservation value habitats 1, 2 or 3

Adverse impacts on native species 1, 2 or 3Total score of at least 3 in these two biodiversity categoriesAlteration of on ecosystem function 1, 2 or 3

Economic effects 1, 2 or 3

Health effects 1, 2 or 3

Total score 6-18 Scores at least 7 in total

The impact assessment also includes potential effects, i.e. non-realised but expected effects of species

– regardless of whether a species has been introduced to Denmark. Furthermore, it is important to

note that the potential adverse impact of a species forms the basis of its score, regardless of whether

it can be eradicated or controlled, or whether measures against it have already been implemented.

The scoring system of alien species in Denmark thus includes a scientifically based assessment of

their harmfulness and adverse impacts. It will be used as the knowledge base for management and

political decisions regarding invasive species in Denmark. Note that just because a species is invasive

does not necessarily mean that measures against it will be implemented – this will be assessed on an

individual basis.

A total of 2,459 alien species have been observed in Denmark, 130 of which have been assessed

to be invasive. An additional 68 species have been assessed as potentially invasive if they establish

themselves in Denmark. The 66 invasive and potentially invasive species with the highest score

(most invasive) are listed in Annex 3.

These 66 most invasive species will be given high priority in the national management of invasive

species since they are, at present, considered the most invasive species in Denmark. Management

measures against them are summarised in Annex 4. This does not preclude that other species may

be a concern and can be controlled locally.

The complete list of all alien species and all invasive species in Denmark can be found on the Danish

EPA website www.mst.dk.

ACTION 1 Ongoing updates of the knowledge base on invasive species

The complete list of alien species in Denmark, and their scores, will be continuously

updated by the Danish EPA. Assessments on the ”invasiveness” of a species should be

considered a snapshot based on the best available knowledge, and will be updated

regularly. Stakeholders and organisations are encouraged to contribute with knowl-

edge on the adverse impacts, spread, utilisation etc. of alien species.

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Asian hornet (Vespa velutina)

The Asian hornet is an insect belonging to the wasp family. It resembles indigenous hornets (also known as the common hornet), but is signifi-cantly larger. The Asian hornet stems from South-east Asia, but its presence in Europe is increasing. The species was likely spread by imports of plants, fruits and wood-based products.

The hornet is undesirable in Denmark because it feeds on bees and other insects. The European honey bee is not adapted to the Asian hornet and the hornet can therefore easily catch and kill bees near their hives. This may result in the displace-ment of local bee and wasp populations, causing significant economic losses.

People who are allergic to hornet venom have allegedly been killed by the sting of the Asian hornet.

The Asian hornet is an example of an invasive species that has not yet been observed in Den-mark, but where there is a risk of introduction in the future via imported goods, as has been the case for other EU Member States. France has a permanently established population, thought to have been established by a single fertilised queen.

To avoid the hornet establishing itself in Den-mark, the Danish EPA is focusing on observations and pathways of the hornet, carried out partly in cooperation with the Central Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT), partly through reports to the reporting portal for invasive species and from stakeholder organisations. The hornet will only be able to establish itself in Denmark if a fertilised queen arrives in the country. Therefore, measures may not necessarily be implemented if a worker hornet is observed.

Asian hornetPhoto: iStock

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When extensive resources are used to prevent the establishment of an invasive species as well as to

control species that have already spread, a holistic approach is required that takes invasive species

into consideration in e.g. funding schemes. It is therefore stipulated in the Danish Rural Development

Programme that funding will not be granted towards e.g. planting species of trees and bushes in

windbreaks that appear on the national authority's list of invasive plant species.

3.1.2 Ban on invasive species on the Union listThe problems and damage connected with the spread of invasive species is a cross-border chal-

lenge. It is therefore crucial that the EU Regulation on Invasive Species has adopted a number of

bans on some of the most damaging invasive species at Union level. Danish Statutory Order no. 1088

of 18 July 2016 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien

species stipulates penalties and fines for violations of the bans.

Not all species on the Union list are harmful in Denmark, but it has been decided that in general they

are harmful in the EU and concerted action at Union level is necessary. We are directly obligated to

manage these species in the interests of other countries. These species, along with species assessed

to be very invasive at the national level, will be the main focus of Danish management efforts.

See Annex 1 for the current Union list and www.mst.dk for updates.

3.1.3 Exemptions from bans on species on the Union list through special approvals and authorisations As previously mentioned, invasive species on the Union list are covered by a number of bans and it is

the objective of the EU Regulation on invasive species to completely eradicate these species from EU

territory. However, in some cases, there may be good reasons to maintain and utilise certain species.

Article 8 of the Regulation therefore includes a narrow option to grant permits and authorisation to

use species on the Union list.

ACTION 2 Possibility of researching species on the Union list

At the end of 2016, the Danish EPA created an authorisation system to grant permits

to use species on the Union list for research, ex situ conservation or medical purpos-

es. All permits come with a number of conditions which must be complied with in

order to ensure that invasive species do not spread.

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Invasive alien species on the Union list can also be used through authorisations described in Article 9

of the EU Regulation. In exceptional cases, for reasons of compelling public interest, including those

of a social or economic nature, permits allowing establishments to carry out activities other than

research, ex situ conservation or medical objectives may be granted (see above). These permits will

only be granted providing approval has been granted by the European Commission and with a num-

ber of conditions.

ACTION 3 Possibility of utilising species on the Union list

The Danish EPA will create an authorisation system to grant permits for the use of

species on the Union list for activities of compelling public interest, including those

of a social or economic nature.

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3.1.4 Ban on invasive species of concern in Denmark Some invasive species which are not regulated by EU directives and the EU Regulation cause prob-

lems in Denmark due to the damage they inflict on Danish biodiversity, and can potentially also harm

other broad societal interests, including health and business interests. The EU regulation makes it

possible to regulate these species at national level.

ACTION 4 The Nature Protection Act to be revised

The Danish Minister for Environment and Food wishes to see focused efforts to con-

trol invasive species, which constitute a nationwide problem. For this reason, a bill

will be submitted in the 2017/18 parliamentary year proposing a revision of the Dan-

ish Nature Protection Act to allow a trade ban on invasive species to be put in place,

given that these species are a problem in Denmark and that they cannot be handled

within the framework of the EU Regulation. Such a national list will serve as a legis-

lative tool which should make efforts to control invasive species more efficient and

more cost-effective. In addition, it will mean that Denmark is well-prepared if one or

more of these species is placed on the Union list, requiring that they be controlled.

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In practice, this will mean the insertion of a specific authority in the Nature Protection Act. The es-

tablishment of this authority will enable use of the measures set out in Articles 7, 8, 13-17, 19 and 20 of

the Regulation. The Minister for Environment and Food will select which of these measures are to be

applied to control the species on the national list. At present, it is considered appropriate and cost-ef-

fective to apply this authority solely to Articles 7 and 8 of the EU Regulation concerning a ban on the

sale, keeping etc. of invasive species and the possibility for research etc. on species which are on the

Union list. The remaining provisions in the EU Regulation are not considered to be relevant or cost-ef-

fective at the present time with respect to a national list. This means that, following Article 7, a ban

on a range of species will be introduced (Article 7(a)-(h): Ban on the introduction, breeding, transport,

placing on the market, use and exchange, reproduction, breeding or cultivation and release into the

wild), e.g. a trade ban on certain species which at present demand extensive resources to control, but

which nonetheless are freely traded.

This also means that it will be possible to apply Article 8 to species on the national list. This will make

it possible for the Danish Minister for Environment and Food to grant permission for the species in

question to be used for research, ex situ conservation, scientific production and medical use.

ACTION 5 The Minister for Environment and Food will establish a national list, which imposes bans on certain invasive species of concern in Denmark.

It has been provisionally decided that 14 invasive species will be banned, see table

2. See the fact sheet on the Danish EPA’s homepage www.mst.dk for a more detailed

description of the species and pictures of them. See Annex 5 for an account of what

measures the Minister for Environment and Food has decided will be implemented

against each of the 14 species. The list may be subject to later revisions.

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TABLE 2: The 14 species selected to be subject to a national ban because they are of concern in Denmark,

comprising 12 plants and 2 animals. The list is not presented in order of priority and is solely sequenced

alphabetically by Latin name.

Species Latin name Species common name

Plants

Azolla filiculoides Water fern

Crassula helmsii New Zealand pigmyweed

Elodea canadensis Canadian pondweed

Impatiens capensis Jewelweed

Impatiens parviflora Small balsam

Prunus serotina Wild black cherry

Reynoutria bohemica (syn. Reynoutria japonica x sachalinensis, Fallopia bohemica)

Bohemian knotweed – a hybrid of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis)

Reynoutria japonica (syn. Fallopia japonica) Japanese knotweed

Reynoutria sachalinensis (syn. Fallopia sachalinensis) Giant knotweed

Rosa rugosa Japanese rose

Solidago canadensis Canadian goldenrod

Solidago gigantea Giant goldenrod

Animals

Astacus leptodactylus Danube crayfish or Turkish crayfish

Ondatra zibethicus Muskrat

The 14 invasive species selected for the national list fulfil all of the following criteria specified by the

Danish EPA:

1 They are found, based on available scientific evidence, to be alien to the territory of Denmark, and

2 they are, based on available scientific evidence, likely to have a significant adverse impact on

biodiversity or the related ecosystem services, and may also have an adverse impact on human

health or the economy, and

3 it is likely that the inclusion on the Union list will effectively prevent, minimise or mitigate their

adverse impact, and

4 including them on the national list and the introduction of trade bans etc. will contribute to cost-ef-

fective management of invasive species in Denmark and will not entail significant economic

costs for society or business.

If it is considered appropriate, the Minister for Environment and Food may decide to revise the na-

tional list e.g. on the basis of new data concerning the presence of invasive species and their adverse

impact(s). The use of a national list of invasive species presupposes that the Nature Protection Act is

revised with the addition of authority for the Minister for Environment and Food to stipulate regula-

tions concerning the drawing up of a national list of invasive species of concern at national level. This

authority will be a general authority to apply the measures specified in Article 12 of the Regulation.

The Minister may then specify more precise regulations on precisely which measures it will be pos-

sible to apply against each of the species on the national list. This will be in a subsequent statutory

order. Any later revision will require an amendment to the statutory order.


3.1.5 PathwaysOnce an invasive species is established, it is often difficult and costly to eradicate it or limit its dis-

persal. In order to prevent the introduction of species, it is essential to be aware of their pathways. In

Denmark, the most damaging invasive species are primarily introduced via ”horticulture”, followed by

”forestry”, ”landscape management”, ”ballast water and sediment” and ”aquaculture”.

ACTION 6 Action plans for the most significant pathways

In the spring of 2018, the Danish EPA will prioritise the most significant pathways for

invasive species and in 2019 an action plan for these pathways will be drawn up in

consultation with stakeholders.

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The action plans will include measures to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

Depending on which pathways are prioritised, the measures may encompass entering into agree-

ments such as a code of conduct for drawing up legal regulations and associated control systems.

International efforts to establish a joint method of prioritising pathways will be consulted in the Dan-

ish analyses, together with international experience of potential measures.

3.2 Early detection and rapid eradicationWhen an invasive species is introduced, an early intervention will be more effective and cost-effective

than attempting to control a very large and widely distributed population. Controlling newly intro-

duced populations of invasive species requires that national systems are in place for early detection

and rapid eradication.

Some invasive species, especially marine species such as the warty comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) or

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir chinensis), will not be technically possible to eradicate when they are

discovered. Other invasive species such as wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) will be possible to con-

trol to a level at which their adverse impacts are minimised.

In the case of other invasive species, the costs of eradication are so high that it is incommensurate

with the adverse impacts of the species. Measures to keep invasive species at an acceptably low

level or confined to a limited area will in such cases be the most cost-effective. However, if control

measures cease, even for short periods of time, these species have the potential to rapidly expand in

number or distribution to the extent that they represent a substantial threat to a range of indigenous

species or to human health or the economy.

There is focus on early detection and rapid eradication of the species on the Union list that have yet

to be discovered in Denmark. As described below, these species will be included in the monitoring of

Danish wildlife already taking place, and if these species are discovered, efforts will be made to erad-

icate them as rapidly as possible. Invasive species which are already present in Denmark and which

are discovered in areas in which they have not previously been present can be controlled at local lev-

el in order to prevent the species from establishing itself. This will be a task for the local land manager.

3.2.1 MonitoringThe Danish EPA will ensure that the monitoring requirement set out in Article 14 of the EU Regulation

is implemented on multiple tracks by no later than the spring of 2018:

NOVANAMonitoring of species and habitat types in Denmark is primarily carried out via the National Monitor-

ing Programme for the Aquatic Environment and Nature (NOVANA), which is tasked with supporting

prioritised national requirements for monitoring-data on the impact, condition and development of


habitats and the environment in Denmark. NOVANA comprises eight sub-programmes for the sea

and inlets, lakes, watercourses, substance transport and land monitoring, point sources, groundwa-

ter, terrestrial species and habitat types, as well as the air. Monitoring of the individual programmes

is precisely specified as it pertains to applicable obligations regarding e.g. EU Directives. Checks are

carried out at a large number of stations across Denmark within the various sub-programmes. The

data collected in connection with site visits is logged in various databases and is quality-assured. A

significant amount of monitoring data is published in ‘Danmarks Arealinformation’, accessible via the

Danish Natural Environment Portal.

Analysis and monitoring of habitat types already includes registration of a wide range of invasive

plant species, and this is used to evaluate the condition of habitat types as the basis for the planning

of Natura 2000 and active measures in these areas, as well as in reporting to the EU in accordance

with the Habitats Directive.

ACTION 7 Inclusion of invasive species in NOVANA

Monitoring of the invasive species on the Union list is included in NOVANA using

general guidelines which apply to all monitoring activities within the framework of

NOVANA. No new activities will be launched, but during NOVANA monitoring, any

observations of species on the Union list will be registered. Whenever a species on

the Union list is registered, this information will at the earliest opportunity be passed

on to the central administration at the Danish EPA, which will evaluate what action

must be taken. Additionally, data will be registered in a specific field chart for inva-

sive species on the Union list and will be made accessible via the Nature Database

(Naturdatabasen).

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nMarine invasive species are monitored in the marine sub-programmes included in NOVANA, but in

order to ensure a good marine environment and guarantee cost effectiveness, new monitoring meth-

ods are being introduced.

ACTION 8 Marine monitoring

In 2017, NOVANA will be supplemented by marine sample-taking, whereby a range

of invasive species will be investigated with the help of free DNA in the environment

(eDNA). Methods are being developed to detect around 20 marine invasive species,

including the relevant species from the Union list. In addition, experiments are being

carried out on monitoring areas at high risk for introductions, such as certain ports. Ear

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Monitoring of fisheriesThe Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries’s Fisheries Monitoring Programme develops, prioritises and

coordinates monitoring of Danish fisheries. On land, monitoring is conducted by the Directorate of

Fisheries, which carries out shore checks and other commercial checks of vessels in port to monitor

fishing quotas, storage, inspections etc. At sea, monitoring is carried out at fishing grounds, involving

among other things, inspection and enforcement of which species are caught. In addition monitoring

is carried out of freshwater recreational angling. In connection with fisheries monitoring, the presence

of invasive fish species may be registered. This registration can prove useful in the management of

e.g. invasive fish and crayfish species.


ACTION 9 Registration of invasive species during fisheries inspection

The Danish EPA and the Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries will establish how the

registration of invasive species during fisheries inspection can contribute to the

knowledge base on the distribution of invasive species. Ear

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Monitoring of forest areasThe national programme of monitoring of forest areas (the National Forest Inventory, NFI), which

is conducted by the University of Copenhagen, will comprise sample-based monitoring of Danish

forests. A total of 9,500 sample plots will be registered; of these, approximately one-third will be

permanent sample plots, while approximately two-thirds will be temporary sample plots which will

be cycled on an annual basis. The presence of, or evidence of, invasive species will be registered as

part of the monitoring of forest areas. In this context, primarily invasive plant species listed on the

national list, together with certain invasive species of beetles, will be registered. With regard to plant

species, the frequency of occurrence will also be registered. Registration will be carried out at all per-

manent sample plots as well as at temporary sample plots situated within Natura 2000 forest areas.

The monitoring of forests will thus provide a nationwide sample illustration of the distribution of the

invasive species registered. This will contribute to an evaluation of whether there is a need for specific

measures to control particular invasive species.

ACTION 10 Registration of invasive species during monitoring of forest areas

The Danish EPA will clarify how the registration of invasive species during monitoring

of forest areas can contribute to the knowledge base on the distribution of invasive

species. Ear

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Reporting portal for invasive speciesMany people visit the countryside regularly in connection with work, because they are interested

in nature or for recreational purposes. If these individuals could easily report sightings of invasive

species via electronic media, this might potentially provide a certain degree of monitoring of invasive

species throughout Denmark.

ACTION 11 Registration of invasive species in a new portal

A reporting portal has been established for reporting invasive species, whereby

anyone passing through a natural area will be able to register sightings of a number

of invasive species, including species on the Union list. This method of registering

species is not comparable with systematic monitoring data, but can provide data on

the introduction of new species and on the overall distribution of invasive species in

Denmark. The reporting portal has been established in such a way that it is quick and

simple to report sightings of invasive species via the website from a computer, tablet

or smartphone:

Each report received by the Danish EPA will be verified and incorporated into the

knowledge base on the distribution of invasive species, which, as mentioned, will

form the basis of decisions concerning potential management measures.

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Gamebag statisticsThe mandatory reporting of game bags, whereby all holders of hunting licences are obligated to

report to the Danish EPA via ”MitJagttegn” (MyHuntingLicence) at jagttegn.dk how much game they

have personally bagged through hunting and regulation in the preceding hunting year (1 April to 31

March), can also be used in the monitoring of invasive mammals and birds. In 2016, the list of invasive

species for which there is a duty to report was expanded to include mammals and birds on the Un-

ion list which it was not yet possible to report.

ACTION 12 Registration of invasive species in the game bag statistics

The Danish EPA uses annual game bag statistics and the ongoing reporting in con-

nection with monitoring of invasive mammals and birds. This data can contribute to

an overview of the geographical occurrence of and population size of invasive mam-

mals and birds. In addition, ongoing reporting can contribute to rapid detection of

and response to species which have not previously been registered in Denmark.

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Registration of catches – Nøglefiskerprojektet (Fishing project)Since 2002, DTU Aqua, the National Institute of Aquatic Resources at the Technical University of Den-

mark, has worked together with anglers to register fishing catches along Danish coastlines and inlets.

In 2005, the ‘Fishing project’ was launched, under which members of Dansk Amatørfiskerforening

and Danmarks Fritidsfiskerforbund (two Danish amateur anglers associations) register what they

catch, when and where. The aim is to gather information on the occurrence of fish in inshore waters

and to investigate whether changes take place in the occurrence of fish, and why. The project will run

through to 2019.

ACTION 13 Registration of invasive species in the context of the ‘Fishing project’

The Danish EPA will establish how the registration of invasive species in the context

of the ‘Fishing project’ can contribute to the knowledge base on the distribution of

invasive species. Ear

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Analysis projectsWhere an invasive species which causes major adverse impacts is present, but falls outside the

scope of all of the aforementioned monitoring activities, analysis projects can be implemented for

species or species groups such that their occurrence in Denmark can be investigated with a view to

determining a cost-effective management strategy. Decisions will be taken on this on an ad hoc basis,

and efforts will be made to coordinate with existing analysis activities, including within NOVANA, to

achieve the greatest possible synergy.

In addition to the aforementioned monitoring activities, some municipalities have carried out analy-

ses of invasive species within their municipalities (animal and/or plant species), and likewise various

stakeholder organisations and research institutions may have registration data on invasive species.

However, there is no full overview of this data. Data from these sources is made use of where possi-

ble, however.


Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is an example of an invasive species that has had a major impact on the ecosystem. The round goby is a bottom-dwelling fish and originates from the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The species was first observed in the Baltic in 1990 in the Bay of Gdansk in Poland, from where it rapidly spread along the southern coast of the Baltic. The first landing of the round goby in Denmark took place on Bornholm in 2008, and as early as in 2009 it was caught off the coast of Lolland-Falster. It is suspected that the round goby reached the Baltic via ballast water in ships. Its eminent ability to spread and its dominance have made it one of the most significant invasive species in Danish waters.

The round goby impacts ecosystems in various ways, since it eats the eggs of indigenous fish and frequently dominates competition for food, shel-ter and breeding grounds. Over time, the round goby has also become a source of food for indige-nous piscivorous fish such as cod.

In addition to the biological consequences, the presence of the round goby has had a palpable impact for commercial fishermen in south-eastern Denmark. There has been a decline in both prawn and eel stocks, both of which are of major eco-nomic value. Furthermore, there has also been a decline in stocks of small flatfish and indigenous goby species.

In common with other invasive species in the marine environment, in marine areas where the round goby has established itself it is considered impossible to eradicate. There exist no measures to control the round goby, but fishermen are en-couraged to land it, given that it is an excellent fish to eat. There have been, and there continue to be projects in place aimed at promoting the sale of the round goby for export etc., given that targeted fishing may potentially be able to reduce its ad-verse impacts.

Round goby Photo: Henrik Carl

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ACTION 14 Registration of invasive species in connection with ad hoc projects

As part of its management of invasive species, the Danish EPA will use data from all

of the aforementioned registrations, and together these will comprise the national

monitoring system for invasive species. If possible, this data will freely accessible to

the public. Ear

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3.2.2 Analysis of future threatsIt is important to be as well prepared as possible for which species may become invasive in the future

in Denmark. This requires collaboration with neighbouring countries and that use is made of knowl-

edge of distribution corridors and pathways.

ACTION 15 Analysis of which species have the potential to become invasive

By 2018 at the latest, the Danish EPA will conduct a so-called ”horizon scan” analysis,

which comprises an investigation of which species have the potential to become

invasive species in Denmark in the immediate future. This analysis will be conducted

in collaboration with neighbouring countries and the EU. Ear

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3.2.3 Public monitoringThe EU Regulation on invasive species presents a set of requirements for monitoring, cf. Article 15.

By no later than 2 January 2016, EU Member States must have introduced fully functional structures

for public sector monitoring, which are necessary in order to prevent the intentional introduction of

non-indigenous species which are on the Union list.

ACTION 16 Border checks for invasive species

The Danish EPA has entered into a cooperation agreement with the Central Customs

and Tax Administration (SKAT) concerning border checks. From 2 January 2016, inva-

sive species on the Union list will be included in SKAT’s monitoring of e.g. commercial

traffic, where imported goods are declared via customs codes. The Danish EPA has

prepared a fact sheet for the Central Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT) con-

cerning all invasive species on the Union list, and the Danish EPA will assist SKAT with

species identification and, where applicable, confiscation. Plants will be destroyed,

and animals will be either handed over to institutions which have signed up to an

agreement with the Danish EPA to receive animal species on the Union list, or they

will be destroyed. Ear

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3.2.4 Rapid eradication of new invasive speciesRapid measures to control new invasive species before they establish themselves will as a rule miti-

gate the cost of control at a later date. The EU Regulation requires that species on the Union list be

eradicated when they are discovered in new EU Member States. It may also be necessary to adopt a

rapid response to invasive species which are evaluated as having the potential to become invasive in

Denmark in the event that they establish themselves here.


ACTION 17 Rapid eradication of new invasive species

The Danish EPA is responsible for ensuring a rapid response to control invasive spe-

cies on the Union list which are discovered in Denmark. The task consists of analysing

the species’ presence and, where applicable, ensuring control measures are carried

out and the outcomes monitored. In this context, it may be necessary to investigate

ease of access to private land in connection with rapid control measures. Ear

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An assessment based on the available knowledge will be made for each species to determine the

most cost-effective strategy and method of control. The action taken with respect to each species will

be determined on the basis of the potential for eradication and adverse impacts, relative to cost-ef-

fectiveness. Where possible and where it is cost-effective, the aim will be to eradicate these species

before they establish themselves in Denmark and spread through the Danish natural environment.

ACTION 18 Information on control methods

The Danish EPA will collect information on methods of controlling the invasive spe-

cies on the Union list with particular focus on species that have yet to be discovered

in Denmark, with the aim to carry out rapid and efficient control measures against

these species. In addition, the Danish EPA will gather information on the distribution

of the species on the Union list. Ear

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The information gathered will be used to assess whether newly-discovered species, which are con-

sidered to have the potential to become invasive in Denmark (or are on the Union list) are to be erad-

icated immediately or whether this would not prove cost-effective (and with respect to species on

the Union list, whether they will fall under the scope of the exemption clause in Article 18 of the EU

Regulation).

ACTION 19 Inclusion of experience of organisms harmful to plants

Organisms harmful to plants which are covered by the EU’s joint regulation (the so-

called quarantine for harmful organisms) will be eradicated in the event that they

are discovered on Danish territory. In general, eradication is the responsibility of the

owners of the land in question, as well as businesses. The Danish Agency for Agricul-

ture and Fisheries has developed an emergency response plan to control major out-

breaks, with rapid and effective control measures for these species. The Danish EPA

will draw upon the experience of the Danish Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries in

the future task of rapid and effective control of new invasive species.

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3.3 Monitoring and controlSpecies that are already widely distributed in Denmark can in some cases be monitored with a view

to limiting their spread, while attempts can be made to control other species such that the species

is completely eradicated either locally, regionally or nationally. In many cases, it may be necessary to

carry out more prolonged control measures against these species in order to mitigate their adverse

impacts. The specific methods used to monitor or control will vary according to the particular inva-


Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a large umbelliferous plant that originates in the Caucasus and was introduced in European gar-dens in previous centuries – arriving in Denmark in 1870. In the 1950s, giant hogweed was still un-common in Denmark, and many garden owners planted the impressive plant in their gardens, or dried the plant’s large umbels for use as decora-tion. This meant the species spread to new hab-itats. After having been established in Denmark for around 100 years, the species began to spread dramatically and uncontrollably. It is not known precisely what caused the properties of the plant to change. Today it causes significant problems in marshland, meadowland and salt marshes, in forests, recreational areas and other open areas throughout Denmark. Giant hogweed casts such a large shadow that it displaces indigenous veg-etation and associated animal life. In addition to the consequences the species has for plant and animal life, it can also impact human health, since its sap can cause an eczema-like rash which re-sembles blistering.

Efforts are being made to control giant hogweed in many parts of Denmark. It is not a statutory duty to control the plant, but nonetheless in 2016 70 % of Danish municipalities had an action plan for its control in place. A wide range of methods are employed: These range from sheep-grazing

through cutting off the plant’s roots to use of herbicides (giant hogweed is the sole exception to the pesticides agreement between state and municipal authorities concerning the phasing out of the use of pesticides – and as such use of pes-ticides by the authorities to control the plant is in accordance with the agreement). Irrespective of which control methods are employed, eradication of giant hogweed from a given area takes a num-ber of years, since the plant’s seeds can lie in the soil for at least 7-8 years while remaining capable of germinating. This also means that control of giant hogweed is costly , as it requires a great deal of manpower. This link is to guidelines summaris-ing the most effective methods of controlling the plant.

Since 2004, giant hogweed has been covered by a statutory order in the Cultivation of Agricultural Land Act (Lov om drift af landbrugsjorder). Con-sequently, a municipality can instruct landowners to remove giant hogweed from their property in areas where a local action plan against the species is in place. It is now proposed that this statutory order be amended in order to provide municipali-ties with better possibilities for control (see Action 25 in Chapter 4).

Giant hogweedPhoto: Colourbox

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sive species and how widely distributed it is. As a general rule, control of invasive species will be more

efficient if citizens and stakeholders participate in control measures.

3.3.1 Measures to control species that are already widespreadAt present, comprehensive control of various widely distributed invasive species is carried out by

state and municipal authorities. For instance, the Danish Road Directorate and Defence Command

Denmark carry out control of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) in areas they manage,

while the Danish Nature Agency carries out control of, among other species, Japanese rose (Rosa

rugosa) and wild black cherry (Prunus serotina). The majority of municipalities also control giant

hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), and a large number of municipalities control other species.

A national effort need not necessarily cover all of Denmark, but can instead be prioritised to focus on

specific areas e.g. in order to fulfil obligations set out in the EU Nature Directives and in order to man-

age protected natural habitat sites. The control method used must at all times abide with applicable

regulations and agreements and take into consideration the surrounding area, e.g. when carrying out

control at the site of prehistoric monuments which are protected by the Danish Museum Act.

Difference between new and widely spread invasive species

The EU Regulation distinguishes between new registrations of invasive species and already

widely spread invasive species. Species occurring in several populations in many districts will

be considered as widely spread. This means that muntjac deer (Muntiacus reevesi), for example,

which only has few known populations in Mid-Jutland, is not considered as widely spread, while

the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), which is found in several locations in several dis-

tricts, will be considered as widely spread, even though its precise spread is unknown.

ACTION 20 Management of widely spread invasive species

By no later than spring 2018, the Danish EPA will prepare management measures for

the invasive species assessed to be the most harmful in Denmark (see the ranking in

Annex 3) as well as the species covered by the Union list and other obligations under

the Directive (see Annex 1). The measures will be drawn up on the basis of existing

knowledge about the dispersal, potential adverse impacts, risk assessment and cost

effectiveness. The exact management measures to be implemented for the invasive

species will be assessed for the individual species or groups of species.

The Danish EPA will regularly collect information on methods to control and, if pos-

sible, eradicate each of the invasive species assessed to have the most significant

adverse impact in Denmark and will present these methods on the internet.

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Denmark already has action plans on controlling two invasive predators: mink and raccoon dog. Mink

are widespread over most of Denmark, except for some small islands, while the raccoon dog is so far

only prevalent in Jutland.


ACTION 21 Strategy to control mink and raccoon dog

The action plans for raccoon dog and mink will be revised in 2017 on the basis of

evaluations of previous efforts.

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The Natura 2000 plans will take a position on initiatives against invasive species that are considered

a species of concern for management of the sites. In collaboration with Aarhus University (Danish

Centre for Environment and Energy) a list has been drawn up of the invasive species assessed poten-

tially to constitute a threat to the species and habitat types to be protected in the Natura 2000 sites.

The distribution of these species is mapped during the surveillance completed as part of the basis for

determining the measures and for reporting to the EU on the conservation status of the species and

habitat types covered by the Habitats Directive.

As part of regular provisional registration by municipalities of the Paragraph 3 protected natural

habitat sites, municipalities collect information about the vegetation and condition of the area. From

2011 to 2014, the Danish Nature Agency collected field data from more than 40,000 section 3 nature

protection areas as part of an update of the provisional section 3 registration Therefore, there is a

vast and growing amount of data in the Danish Natural Environment Portal on among other things

the occurrence and impacts of invasive species, and this can be extracted through an analysis of the

data together with information from NOVANA (national programme for monitoring the aquatic envi-

ronment and nature) monitoring of the Natura 2000 sites etc. Such an analysis could provide both a

regional and national overview of the invasive species of particular concern in specific management

of the nature sites, and this could be incorporated in work to assess invasive species in Denmark.

ACTION 22 Registration of invasive species in section 3 protected habitat types and Natura 2000 sites

In section 3 protected habitat types and Natura 2000 sites, invasive species such

as the wild black cherry (Prunus serotina), giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegaz-

zianum), dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo) and boxberry (Lycium barbarum) are

registered. Registration of which invasive species are of particular concern for the

protected habitat types will be used to underpin the existing assessments of the ad-

verse impacts of all alien species. An analysis of this data will be initiated in order to

assess the need for measures more closely.

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The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) has been assessed as the most harmful invasive species in Den-

mark, as it can damage biodiversity, buildings, and infrastructure, destroy food and spread a large

number of diseases that present a significant public health risk. Therefore, controlling the brown rat

has been a high priority in Denmark for more than 100 years. Measures to control rats are regulated

by the Environmental Protection Act and the Statutory Order on Rat Control. Municipalities are re-

sponsible for ensuring effective rat control in accordance with guidelines set by the Minister for Envi-

ronment and Food. The Danish EPA is the responsible authority and over the years has amended the

guidelines in accordance with developments in pest control measures. There are no certain figures

on the costs imposed by rats on Danish society, but estimates are many times greater than the ap-

prox. DKK 200 mill. (EUR 27 mill.) spent in Denmark on rat control annually.


ACTION 23 Continued effective rat control

The Minister for Environment and Food will ensure continued effective rat control

and support the development of new and more effective control methods to restrict

the spread of rats and rat poison in nature. The Danish EPA has initiated a revision of

the statutory order to enter into force in 2017. This will include the technological de-

velopments within rat control and an evaluation of the current legislation.

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Another group of species that can become invasive in nature is pets released into the wild. By far the

majority of pets probably die of hunger and cold, or are caught by predators soon after release. How-

ever, some survive for many years and in this period can have undesirable effects on native species.

ACTION 24 No pets in nature

As part of management measures by the Danish EPA against invasive species on the

Union list, institutions etc. can enter into agreements to receive and keep these spe-

cies. There are a number of conditions, such as the invasive species received must

be kept in enclosures until they die and they must not be able to reproduce. This will

avoid situations in which pets are released into the wild and it will ensure that there is

somewhere for individuals found in nature.

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Many invasive species are birds and mammals. Important factors in controlling these species are

hunting and regulation. It is important that the best possible conditions are in place for utilising this

type of control for the relevant species.

ACTION 25 More opportunities to hunt and regulate invasive species

It is wanted that invasive birds and mammals can be controlled effectively through

hunting and regulation. Therefore, Statutory Order no. 1210 of 28 September 2016

on damage by game has been revised so that, pursuant to section 37 of the Act, all

species on the current Union list, as well as raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides),

American mink (Mustela vison), Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), etc. can be

regulated throughout the year.

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The giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is one of the most widespread invasive species

in Denmark, and it has also been assessed as one of the most harmful. Giant hogweed is today con-

trolled in many places in Denmark and about 75 municipalities have set up voluntary action plans.

Trials in a number of municipalities have shown that the current legislation could be improved.


ACTION 26 More options to control giant hogweed

The Government has presented a Bill containing an amendment to the Act on opera-

tion of agricultural land so that the municipality has the option to control giant hog-

weed at the expense of the landowner or user if an order to control the plant is not

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A number of invasive species can potentially cause extensive adverse impacts. The most cost-ef-

fective methods should be applied to limit these effects on biodiversity, the economy, society and

human health.

ACTION 27 Greater focus on selected invasive plant species

The Danish EPA will monitor the spread of invasive plant species of very high con-

cern. On the basis of this, there will be an assessment of whether the regulations re-

garding giant hogweed should, in the long term, should also apply for other species.

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In Denmark, the invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is already widely spread and can-

not be eradicated, but fishing could possibly limit the adverse impacts. Furthermore, a number of

other crayfish species have been assessed as possibly invasive in the future. It is important that fish-

ing for invasive crayfish species is as effective as possible.

ACTION 28 Better control of invasive crayfish species

The Danish EPA and the Danish Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries will assess

whether the regulations regarding fisheries can be changed so that control measures

against invasive species can be made more effective.

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On 21 April 2017, the Government entered into an agreement with the Danish People's Party, the So-

cial Democratic Party, the Danish Social-Liberal Party and the Socialist People's Party on a Pesticides

Strategy 2017-2021. The Strategy is also the Danish national action plan for sustainable use of pesti-

cides.

ACTION 29 Invasive species in the Pesticides Strategy

The draft Pesticides Strategy 2017-2021 includes measures to secure continued dia-

logue, development of specific solutions, knowledge sharing and consulting on pesti-

cide reduction, control of invasive species through experience exchange groups, and

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3.3.2 Nature restoration following control measuresWhen an invasive species has been controlled in an area restoration of the relevant ecosystem may

be necessary in some cases. This may apply where an invasive plant has covered a large area for

a longer period and has shaded all other vegetation away, or an animal species has replaced other

species. In such cases, there may a need to sow or plant native species belonging to the ecosystem


to be restored. If an animal has replaced other animal species, there may be a need to release the

species that have been replaced. The objective of restoration is to make it possible for the affected

ecosystem to adapt and recover from the effects of a disturbance, and to prevent the area from be-

ing invaded later. There may be a serious risk of return migration of the eradicated species or other

invasive species, if an area is left very damaged after eradication of an invasive species.

ACTION 30 Restoration of ecosystems after control measures

Examples of ”best practice” for restoration after control measures against invasive

species will be collected and published on the Danish EPA website. Consideration of

subsequent restoration needs will be included when the Danish EPA initiates major

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3.4 Information and knowledge sharingIntroduction of species often takes place due to lack of knowledge about the adverse impacts they

can have on nature and society. Everyone is responsible for limiting introductions to Denmark of new

species, and everyone can help limit the effects of the invasive species already in Denmark. However,

this requires that the public in general, interest groups, hunters, pet owners aquarium enthusiasts,

anglers, etc. as well as important stakeholders in sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, forestry

and aquaculture have the knowledge required on how they specifically can contribute. Therefore,

information and knowledge sharing are important tools in curbing the introduction of new invasive

species and in achieving success in controlling invasive species already present in Denmark.

The Danish EPA is the authority responsible for, both the more general information initiatives on inva-

sive species and the more targeted initiatives against specific species and pathways. As many organi-

sations possess vast knowledge about the species and about how they interact with and are used by

both the public and businesses, the Danish EPA will work collaboratively with these organisations to

draw up information material.

ACTION 31 Extended information initiatives on invasive species

The Danish EPA will collect and disseminate knowledge about invasive species in

Denmark. The Agency’s website includes:

• Descriptions of concepts and definitions

• Advice on how stakeholders can help prevent introduction of new species

• Information on regulations and legislation

• Knowledge about individual invasive species

• Information about controlling invasive plant and animal species.

The Danish EPA will also initiate targeted campaigns and prepare information mate-

rials aimed specifically at relevant species or pathways. E.g. campaigns have been

conducted on invasive species in the garden (in Danish) [http://svana.dk/natur/

national-naturbeskyttelse/ invasive-arter/de-invasive-arter/invasive-arter-i-haven/],

the invasive mammals and birds (in Danish) [http://svana.dk/publikationer/2016/okt/

eftersoegt-doedeller- levende/], pets in nature (in Danish) [http://naturstyrelsen.dk/

publikationer/2008/ dec/kaeledyr-i-naturen/] and humane destruction of animals on

the Union list [www.mst.dk]

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Preventive measures will always be the most effective for controlling invasive species, and foreign

experience, species characteristics or similar often provide some idea as to which species could be-

come invasive in the future.

ACTION 32 Collaboration with stakeholders

The Danish EPA will work to implement preventive measures in collaboration with pet

dealers and nurseries, for example, so that invasive species are not traded, possibly

through a Code of Conduct for each sector. Info

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3.5 National and international cooperation on invasive speciesInvasive species are a cross-border issue at national and international levels. It is crucial that meas-

ures against invasive species are coordinated between all relevant players in order to achieve as

effective as possible results.

3.5.1 National cooperation between authoritiesSeveral authorities are responsible for administrative tasks in relation to invasive species, primarily

under the Ministry of Environment and Food. The Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark is

responsible for administration of nature protect legislation, including the EU Regulation on Invasive

Alien Species and the EU nature directives, regulation regarding organisms harmful to plants, and

administration of ministry land areas susceptible to invasive species. There is also a number of other

authorities such as the Ministry of Ecclesiastical, Affairs, Defence Command Denmark, the Ministry of

Transport, municipalities and Rail Net Denmark which are all large landowners and have to control

invasive species on their land in accordance with the programmes of measures in the Natura 2000

plans, and, for example, municipal voluntary action plans against giant hogweed (Heracleum man-

tegazzianum).

ACTION 33 Sector approach

Regulation of invasive species will follow a sector approach whereby respective min-

istries utilise their expertise.

In addition to the sector authorities, a number of sectors and organisations also have

an interest in invasive species. For example, farmers and fishermen experience that

invasive species threaten their livelihoods, or environmental organisations may ob-

serve that invasive species replace native species in nature.

With regard to implementation of the EU Regulation and controlling invasive species,

overall responsibility will be with the Danish EPA until there is a better idea of the

spread of the species on the Union list.

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3.5.2 Cooperation with national invasive species expertsIt is crucial that administration of invasive species is based on the very latest knowledge. Therefore,

the Ministry of Environment and Food procures expert advice and obtains knowledge for projects

via tendering procedures where necessary. Furthermore, there is a need for exchange of information

with a number of relevant organisations and interest groups with particular interests and expertise in

invasive species.


ACTION 34 National coordination

As required and at least once a year, the Danish EPA will arrange meetings for a

number of relevant research institutions, authorities, organisations, and stakehold-

er groups under the Advisory Group on Invasive Species (see Annex 6). Nat

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3.5.3 EU cooperationCooperation within the EU with the Commission and the other Member States is usually formalised

in committees, although there are also working groups that address best practice within methods to

analyse pathways or how invasive species can act as indicators in the Water Framework Directive.

ACTION 35 Participation in EU fora

The Danish EPA takes part in the Scientific Forum on Invasive Alien Species and in the

Committee for Invasive Species as well as other relevant EU fora on invasive species.

This makes it possible to monitor the latest developments and to seek the greatest

possible influence for Danish interests.

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3.5.4 Cooperation with neighbouring countriesCooperation with neighbouring countries could be particularly relevant with regard to invasive spe-

cies, as there is a high risk that species that are invasive in the countries around Denmark will also

become invasive in Denmark. Therefore, exchange of information on the spread of adverse impacts

from invasive species is extremely important. Much of this has been formalised in the EU with the EU

Regulation on Invasive Alien Species, but there is still a need for more informal cooperation as well

ascooperation with non-EU countries such as Norway, Russia and Iceland. Furthermore, the trilateral

Wadden Sea Cooperation between Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands, also addresses invasive

species.

ACTION 36 Cooperation within NOBANIS

Denmark is still part of the international NOBANIS cooperation on invasive species.

This collaboration has a portal with information on the alien and invasive species in

the 21 participating countries. It is also possible to search for information on relevant

legislation, fact sheets and photos of invasive species.

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Terrapin (Trachemys scripta)The terrapin is an example of an invasive species that cannot reproduce in the Danish climate, but which maintains its population because of repeated releases. If people can no longer care for their terrapin, they can deliver them to organisations which have entered into a management agreement with the Danish EPA.

Photo: iStock

Danish EPA | Annex 1: Legislation relevant for invasive species | 47

Annex 1: Legislation relevant for invasive species

EU Directives and Regulations

EU Regulation on Invasive Alien SpeciesIn 2015, Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 Oc-tober 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species entered into force. The Regulation provides a comprehensive legal framework for work on in-

vasive species in the European Union. The EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species is targeted at the

different stages of the invasion process of invasive species and contains initiatives aimed at preven-

tion, early detection and rapid eradication as well as management of widely spread invasive species.

The EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species is directly applicable in all Member States. However, a

number of provisions have been implemented in Danish legislation in Statutory Order no. 1088 of 18 July 2016 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.

The core of the Regulation is a list (”the Union list”) of the invasive species whose adverse impact has

been deemed such as to require concerted action at Union level. The Union list is to be adopted as

an implementing regulation pursuant to the EU Regulation. The species on the Union list are subject

to a number of restrictions, see box below.

According to Article 7 of the EU Regulation, invasive alien species of Union concern may not be intentionally:

a) brought into the territory of the Union, including transit under customs supervision,

b) kept, including in contained holding,

c) bred, including in contained holding,

d) transported to, from or within the Union, except for the transportation of species to

facilities in the context of eradication,

e) placed on the market,

f) used or exchanged,

g) permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated, including in contained holding, or

h) released into the environment.

48 | Danish EPA | Annex 1: Legislation relevant for invasive species

The species on the Union list are also subject to a number of obligations, including requirements for

monitoring, rapid eradication of newly detected species, control of widely spread species and analy-

sis of pathways.

An invasive species can be included on the Union list if it meets a number of criteria pursuant to the

EU Regulation:

1 It must be demonstrated by a risk assessment that it is likely to have a significant adverse impact

on biodiversity or the related ecosystem services, and that concerted action at Union level is

required to prevent its introduction, establishment or spread. A delegated act, which is currently

being drawn up, will describe the method to be used for the risk assessments.

2 It must be likely that the inclusion on the Union list will effectively prevent, minimise or mitigate its

adverse impact.

Species native to at least one Member State will not be included on the list. For example, this means

that the Portuguese slug (Arion lusitanicus), which originally comes from Central Europe, will not be

included on the list.

All Member States and the European Commission can propose species for inclusion on the Union

list by drawing up and submitting a risk assessment. This risk assessment is assessed by a scientific

forum made up of experts from all Member States to ensure that it meets the requirements. The as-

sessment is then processed by a committee with representatives from all Member States to ensure

that requirements other than those in the risk assessment have been met. The committee votes

on all additions to the Union list and the Commission may include species if a qualified majority is

achieved in favour (at least 16 Member States and at least 65% of the EU's population is in favour).

The Union list will be revised regularly, and according to the EU Regulation this must take place at

least every six years. The European Commission has planned to revise the list once a year. Revision

of the list can mean that species will be excluded from the list and that species will be added to the

list.

No species is expected to be excluded from the list in the next few years, but the first update of the

Union list is currently being negotiated. Table 3 shows the first Union list, and table 4 shows the up-

date carried out on 19 June 2017, which is expected to enter into force in late 2017.

Annex 2 describes the other provisions and obligations of the EU Regulation in more detail.

According Article 12 of the Regulation, Member States may establish a national list of invasive species

of the Member State concern. For those invasive species, Member States may apply measures and

restrictions (bans) as allowed in the Regulation, including the restrictions listed in Article 7 (see box in

Annex 1).


TABLE 3: The Union list with 37 speciesThis first list of invasive alien species of Union concern was published in the Official Journal of the European

Union on 14.7.2016 as European Commission implementation (European Union) 2016/1141 of 13 July 2016 on

adopting a list of invasive species of Union concern in accordance with Regulation of the European Parlia-

ment and of the Council Regulation (European Union) no. 1143/2014. The 13 species marked with a * are wide-

ly or less widely spread in Denmark. The list is in alphabetical order by the scientific name for the species.

No. Common name Scientific name

1 Eastern baccharis Baccharis halimifolia

2 Fanwort* Cabomba caroliniana

3 Pallas' squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus

4 Indian house crow Corvus splendens

5 Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes

6 Chinese mitten crab* Eriocheir sinensis

7 Persian hogweed* Heracleum persicum

8 Sosnowsky's hogweed* Heracleum sosnowskyi

9 Small Asian mongoose Herpestes javanicus

10 Floating pennywort Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

11 Curly waterweed Lagarosiphon major

12 American bullfrog Lithobates catesbeianus

13 Water-primrose Ludwigia grandiflora

14 Floating primrose-willow Ludwigia peploides

15 American skunk cabbage* Lysichiton americanus

16 Muntjac deer* Muntiacus reevesi

17 Coypu* Myocastor coypus

18 Parrot's feather Myriophyllum aquaticum

19 Coati Nasua nasua

20 Spiny-cheek crayfish Orconectes limosus

21 Virile crayfish Orconectes virilis

22 Ruddy duck* Oxyura jamaicensis

23 Signal crayfish* Pacifastacus leniusculus

24 Whitetop weed Parthenium hysterophorus

25 Amur sleeper Percottus glenii

26 Asiatic tearthumb Persicaria perfoliata

27 Red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii

28 Marbled crayfish Procambarus fallax forma virginalis

29 Raccoon* Procyon lotor

30 Stone moroko* Pseudorasbora parva

31 Kudzu vine Pueraria lobata ((pueraria montana var. lobata)

32 Grey squirrel Sciurus carolinensis

33 Fox squirrel Sciurus niger

34 Siberian chipmunk Tamias sibiricus

35 Sacred ibis* Threskiornis aethiopicus

36 Red-eared, yellow-bellied and Cumberland sliders* Trachemys scripta

37 Asian hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax


TABLE 4: First update of the Union listAn update of the Union list with 12 new invasive alien species of Union concern was adopted on 19 June 2017.

The update was published in the Official Journal of the European Union in summer 2017 as Commission

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1263 of 12 July 2017 updating the list of invasive alien species of Union

concern established by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1141 pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of

the European Parliament and of the Council.

The seven species marked with a * are widely or less widely spread in Denmark. The list is in alphabetical

order by the scientific name for the species.

No. Common name Scientific name

1 Egyptian goose* Alopochen aegyptiacus

2 Alligator weed Alternanthera philoxeroides

3 Common milkweed* Asclepias syriaca

4 Western waterweed* Elodea nuttallii

5 Giant rhubarb Gunnera tinctoria

6 Giant hogweed* Heracleum mantegazzianum

7 Himalayan balsam* Impatiens glandulifera

8 Japanese stiltgrass Microstegium vimineum

9 Variable-leaf watermilfoil Myriophyllum heterophyllum

10 Raccoon dog* Nyctereutes procyonoides

11 Muskrat* Ondatra zibethicus

12 Crimson fountaingrass Pennisetum setaceum

Directive on organisms harmful to plants

There is extensive regulation at EU level in the area of animal and plant health. The objective of the

EU plant-health legislation is to prevent the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to

plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community. The EU plant-health regime

scheme is laid down in Council Directive 2000/29/EC of 8 May 2000 on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community. Harmful organisms are defined as pests of plants

or of plant products, which belong to the animal or plant kingdoms, or which are viruses, mycoplas-

mas or other pathogens. Plants are defined as living plants and living parts thereof, including seeds.

Therefore, the definition of harmful organisms (when these can be harmful to biodiversity) overlaps

with the definition of invasive species (when these can be harmful to plants). However, no species will

be regulated by both EU regulations. Therefore, the citrus long-horned beetle (Anoplophora chinen-

sis), which is covered by plant-health legislation, will not be included on the Union list in the Regula-

tion on Invasive Alien Species.

The Plant-health Directive has been implemented in Denmark through the Organisms Harmful to Plants Act (Lov om planteskadegørere). The Directive will be replaced by no later than from 2019 by

the Regulation on Protection against Organisms Harmful to Plants, which has already been adopt-

ed.


Invasive species and quarantine harmful organisms

There can be an overlap between species defined as invasive species and quarantine

harmful organisms when quarantine harmful organisms threaten biodiversity and invasive

species threaten plants. This has made it necessary for the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien

Species to state explicitly that invasive species regulated through the Plant Health Regula-

tion are not also regulated by the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species. In this context,

it is important to note that the new Regulation on Protection against Organisms Harmful to

Plants explicitly states that invasive plant species are to be regulated via the EU Regulation

on Invasive Alien Species. The plant-health authorities in EU Member States therefore have

a particularly strong interest in the regulation on invasive plants included in the EU Regula-

tion on Invasive Alien Species, as invasive plants can be considered as quarantine harmful

organisms. The same considerations have led the European and Mediterranean Plant Pro-

tection Organization (EPPO) to apply many resources to risk assessments on invasive plant

species since around 2005.

The Habitats Directive and the Birds DirectiveThe Habitats Directive (no. 93/43) aims at promoting the maintenance of biodiversity in Member

States by defining a common framework for protection of wild plants and animals and habitats. The

Directive obligates Member States to secure or restore favourable conservation status for all species

and habitat types in the annexes to the Directive.

The Birds Directive (no. 147/2009) aims at protecting all wild birds in the EU, among other things by

securing adequate habitats for species.

These directives have been implemented in Danish law in the Hunting and Game Administration Act,

the Danish Act on Environmental Objectives, and the Nature Protection Act.

Both directives include requirements to secure favourable conservation status for protected species

and similar requirements for all wild birds, and they designate and administer special protection

areas, together known as Natura 2000 sites. Species and habitat types covered by these protection

considerations can be threatened by invasive species that are not on the Union list or covered by

plant-health legislation. It may therefore be necessary to manage these species to meet the obliga-

tions in the directives. For example, conservation of salt meadows and dunes in Natura 2000 sites,

where favourable conservation status is under threat from the Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa). Similarly,

the dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo) spreads very strongly on heaths and similar habitat types. If

tree growth is not controlled, heaths, dune areas, etc. become overgrown and resemble forests. Other

examples are American mink (Neovision vison) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), both of

which can damage populations of ground-nesting birds and threaten their conservation status.

In the Natura 2000 plans for 2016-21, it has been assessed that if invasive plant species cover more

than 10 % of an area (degree of coverage/overgrowth), special management measures are required,

while a lower degree of overgrowth can be managed through ordinary nature conservation such as

grazing or hay-making. On the basis of the areas mapped and the assessment of the significance of

the invasive species, measures have been initiated in many areas to remove invasive species such as

the Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa), and dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo), and there will be a need to

continue efforts in the future.


Marine Strategy Framework DirectiveAccording to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Par-liament and of the Council establishing a framework for community action in the field of marine environmental policy), Member States are obligated to achieve or maintain a good environmental

status in the marine environment by no later than 2020. The Marine Strategy Framework Directive

has been implemented in Danish law through the Marine Strategy Act (Consolidated Act no. 1203 of

28 September 2016).

The Marine Strategy Framework Directive lists 11 descriptors to be applied to describe good envi-

ronmental status. Descriptor 2 deals with non-indigenous and invasive species. Good environmental

status requires that ”Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not

adversely alter the ecosystems”, see Annex 2 of the Marine Strategy Act. Shipping and fisheries are

deemed to be the most important transport pathways for introducing new, alien species into Danish

waters. Therefore, there are regulations for treatment of discharges of ballast water from ships etc. in

the UN Ballast Water Management Convention, see section 3.2.1.

The Marine Strategy Act also includes an obligation to implement national monitoring in order to

monitor and prevent introduction of alien species. The monitoring is primarily via the National pro-

gramme for monitoring the aquatic environment and nature (NOVANA – see section 4.2.1.1) and is to

cover all important Danish marine areas, including high-risk areas, e.g. selected harbours and ports.

The monitoring will contribute to assessing the most important individual species and their impacts

on the marine ecosystems, and thus whether a good environmental status has been achieved in

the marine habitat types. Monitoring is being developed and will be coordinated with the obligations

pursuant to the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species.

The European Commission is expected to issue new criteria for good environmental status and spec-

ifications for monitoring and surveillance during 2017. In this context, Member States are obligated to

set limit values (through cooperation in OSPAR/HELCOM) for the number of newly introduced alien

species over a six-year period. The number and percentage of new species and their distribution in

terms of area must be monitored and assessed, where relevant. Via regional cooperation, a list must

also be drawn up of invasive species which comprise a risk that other species or habitat types in the

sea cannot achieve good environmental status. Impacts from invasive species on these species and

habitat types must also be assessed and monitored, where relevant.

Every six years, Member States must draw up a programme of measures to secure good environ-

mental status in the sea. Measures to reduce marine alien (non-indigenous) species will usually be

preventive, as it is not possible to eradicate a marine species once it has been introduced.

Water Framework DirectiveEU Member States are obligated by the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Com-munity action in the field of water policy) to implement the necessary measures to prevent dete-

rioration of the status of all bodies of surface water. Member States must also protect, enhance and

restore all bodies of surface water with the aim of achieving good ecological status for surface water

by no later than 2015.

The Water Framework Directive does not stipulate how Member States are to address invasive spe-

cies. There is work at EU level to develop common, non-binding guidelines for the area, but the time

framework for completion of these guidelines is not known. Denmark is awaiting completion of this

work before deciding how the relationship between invasive species and ecological status can be

managed. Monitoring of a number of invasive species linked to the aquatic environment is ongoing

in the national NOVANA monitoring programme.


Framework Directive on Sustainable Use of PesticidesIn 2009, Directive 2009/128/EC on Sustainable Use of Pesticides was adopted. The Directive states

requirements that all Member States are to introduce national pesticides action plans. This should be

with a view to reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment

and to encourage the development and introduction of integrated pest management and of alterna-

tive approaches or techniques in order to reduce dependency on the use of pesticides.

As the aquatic environment is particularly sensitive to pesticides, there should be priority on avoiding

pollution of surface water and groundwater by taking appropriate measures. The Directive also points

out that use of pesticides can be particularly dangerous in very sensitive areas, such as Natura 2000

sites, and that in public parks and gardens, sports and recreation grounds, children’s playgrounds etc.

the use of pesticides should be minimised or prohibited because of the risk of exposure for children

and other vulnerable groups.

The Framework Directive has been implemented in Denmark via the Danish pesticides strategies, the

latest of which applies for the period 2013-2015(16). Furthermore, the Directive has been implemented

via a large number of acts and statutory orders. The Pesticides Action Plan 2013-2015(16) contained

an initiative to control invasive plant species and to maintain low application of pesticides.

Regulation on AquacultureThe aquaculture area is regulated by Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 of 11 June 2007 con-cerning use of alien and locally absent species in aquaculture. The Regulation sets binding frame-

works for aquaculture in order to assess and minimise possible impact of alien and locally absent

species (i.e. alien species) on aquatic habitats. The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) is covered by this

Regulation, and therefore it cannot also be included on the Union list, even though it is an invasive

species.

International conventions and other obligations

Invasive species are a growing problem at global level, and therefore, in accordance with international

and regional conventions, Denmark is obligated to take certain measures to prevent, control and

eradicate invasive species. There are several conventions related to invasive species, the most impor-

tant is the Ballast Water Management Convention.

Ballast Water Management ConventionVia the Marine Environment Act, Denmark has implemented the Ballast Water Management Conven-

tion, which requires ships to manage ballast water by minimising and ultimately eliminating transfer

of invasive species. The Ballast Water Management Convention entered into force on 8 September

2017.

The requirements of the Ballast Water Management Convention on managing a ship’s ballast water

are the most important element in achieving good environmental status pursuant to the Marine

Strategy Framework Directive. The Convention provides for the possibility for exemption from the re-

quirement to manage ballast water, but only for ferries on fixed international routes and only provid-

ed a risk assessment of the relevant ports shows a low risk. These exemptions must be administrated

in cooperation with neighbouring countries and the regional sea conventions for the North Sea and

the Baltic Sea. On the basis of a guideline on risk assessment from the UN International Maritime

Organization (IMO), monitoring methods have been adopted and a common port database has been

set up showing invasive species of particular risk, for use in risk assessment of coastal scheduled

shipping.


In order to limit further the possibilities of transferring invasive species, the IMO has drawn up guide-

lines for managing fouling on the underwater hulls of ships and guidelines for fouling on leisure craft.

The guidelines on managing fouling provide practical recommendations for ships and leisure craft,

but they are generally non-binding and they have not been implemented in Danish legislation.

National regulations

Some invasive species of concern in Denmark, either for biodiversity or for general social reasons

such as health or commercial interests, are not covered by EU law, but are managed nationally.

They are regulated in a number of other national provisions spread over different parts of sector leg-

islation. These are acts with various objects and which are administrated by different sector authori-

ties. There is a brief review below of a number of acts, with focus on those that currently contribute to

setting the framework for preventing and controlling the spread of invasive species in Denmark.

Protection of Nature Act (Naturbeskyttelsesloven)The Ministry of the Environment and Food and the Danish EPA are responsible for the Nature Pro-

tection Act. The Nature Protection Act (most recent Consolidating Act no. 1217 of 28 September 2016 with later amendments) helps safeguard Danish nature and the environment. Sections 30 and

31 of the Act include provisions relevant to invasive species. The Act protects Danish nature through

protection of natural areas, e.g. in the general nature conservation of habitat types in section 3 of the

Act, through conservation of specific areas and through regulations on implementing Natura 2000

directives and regulations on species protection.

Populations of invasive species on protected natural habitat sites threaten the biodiversity in the

areas, worsen the status of nature, and contribute to greater pressure on resources and the need for

nature conservation. The provisions in the Act on protected habitat types (section 3) can therefore be

relevant in relation to measures against invasive species because a measure that could change the

status of a habitat type could require exemption from protection.

Danish Hunting Act (Jagt- og vildtforvaltningsloven)This Act is administrated by the Ministry of the Environment and Food and the Danish EPA. The

Danish Hunting Act, (most recent Consolidating Act no. 1617 of 8 December 2015 with later amend-ments) stipulates a ban on releasing game (except pheasant, mallard duck and partridge) without pri-

or authority (Statutory Order no. 1439 of 21 November 2016 on release on game, hunting methods and hunting equipment) Pursuant to section 37 of the Act on damage from game, all species on the

current Union list, as well as raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), mink (Mustela vison), Egyptian

goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), etc. can be regulated throughout the year (Statutory Order no. 1210 of 28 September 2016 on damage from game). According to section 38 of the Act, a property owner

can be ordered to take measures to regulate game.

The Act also includes regulations that can be applied in the regulation of invasive birds and mam-

mals that nationally could be assessed as invasive and requiring control measures.

Fisheries Act (Fiskeriloven)The Fisheries Act (most recent Consolidating Act no. 17 of 4 January 2017 with later amendments)

is administrated by the Ministry of Environment and Food through the Danish Agency for Agriculture

and Fisheries. According to section 63 of the Act, all releases or replanting of fish as well as eggs and


fry require prior authorisation. According to section 66 of the Fisheries Act, fish breeding in Danish

fisheries territory also requires approval.

Act on farming agricultural land (Lov om drift af landbrugsjorder)Act on farming agricultural land (most recent Consolidating Act no. 11 of 4 January 2017 with later amendments) is administrated by the Ministry of Environment and Food through the Danish Agency

for Agriculture and Fisheries. According to section 10 of the Act, a list will be drawn up of plant spe-

cies to be considered undesirable because they can damage crops, nature or the landscape. Such a

list has been drawn up, and currently it covers wild oat (Avena fatua) and giant hogweed (Heracleum

mantegazzianum), but it is also intended for a situation in which other species could be or have

become a threat, either to crops under cultivation, or to indigenous nature. The Act authorises regu-

lations to be stipulated on control and prevention of undesirable species. Statutory Order no. 871 of 27 June 2016 on controlling giant hogweed has been issued, and this is administrated by the Danish

EPA. According to the current Statutory Order, it is possible for the owner of an area to be ordered to

control and eradicate giant hogweed, and if the owner or the user fails to comply with the order, the

municipality can conduct control measures at the expense of the municipality.

Organisms Harmful to Plants Act (Lov om planteskadegørere)The Organisms Harmful to Plants Act (most recent Consolidating Act no. 14 of 4 January 2017) is

administrated by the Ministry of Environment and Food through the Danish Agency for Agriculture

and Fisheries. According to the Organisms Harmful to Plants Act, the Minister can lay down regula-

tions on controlling and preventing the introduction and spread of living organisms (but not verte-

brates) and vira which directly or indirectly can cause loss of plant stock (organism harmful to plants).

Among other things, the Act makes it possible to lay down regulations banning imports, sales and

storage. The regulated species (quarantine harmful organisms) include a number of species that can

threaten biodiversity and act as invasive. The regulation of the plant-health area includes regulations

on registration of enterprises that are suppliers of plants, approval of plants for sale and documenta-

tion of official plant-health inspections for quarantine harmful organisms (”plant passport”). A series of

regulations in statutory orders have implemented the EU regulations in the plant-health area.

Older regulations still in force include provisions on muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) control (Statutory Order no. 819 of 11 November 1987). These stipulate that the owner or user of a real property is obli-

gated to report observations or suspicions of muskrat on the property.

Animal Protection Act (Dyreværnsloven)The Animal Protection Act (most recent Consolidation Act no. 50 of 11 January 2017) is adminis-

tered by the Ministry of Environment and Food. This stipulates regulations on humane destruction of

animals.

Keeping Livestock Act (Lov om hold af dyr)The Keeping Livestock Act (most recent Consolidation Act no. 55 of 11 January 2017) is admin-

istered by the Ministry of Environment and Food. This stipulates regulations on mink cages and

fencing around mink farms (Statutory Order no. 1422 of 3 December 2015) and on breeding deer

(Statutory Order no. 1497 of 10 December 2015).


Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)The Japanese knotweed is a very resistant plant and can grow through building foundations.

Photo: iStock


Environmental Protection Act (Miljøbeskyttelsesloven)The Environmental Protection Act (most recently Consolidation Act no. 1189 of 27 June 2016 with later amendments) is administered by the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark through

the Danish EPA. Section 17-18 of the Act contain provisions on the responsibilities of municipalities

and owners of real property to prevent and control rats. The Minister for Environment and Food may

lay down regulations on rat control

The Statutory Order on rat control (Statutory Order no. 913 of 27 June 2016) is administered by the

Ministry of Environment and Food through the Danish EPA. The Statutory Order contains regulations

requiring citizens to report rat incidents to the municipality and to rat-proof and clean their property

so that rats are not attracted to the property. According to the Statutory Order, the municipality is

obligated to conduct effective rat control and to draw up an action plan on the basis of the minimum

requirements stipulated by Danish EPA.

58 | Danish EPA | Annex 2: EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species – content, actions and timeframe

Annex 2: EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species – content, actions and timeframe

Description of the content, actions and timeframe in Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species.

Article Content Action Timeframe

1 Establishes the purpose of the Regulation. No action.

2 Establishes the scope of the Regulation. No action.

3 Definitions. No action. See also Statutory Order no. 1088 of 18 July 2016 from the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark.

4 The list of species included on the Union list describes the criteria for species that can be included on the list.

The first Union list was adopted by Implementing Regu-lation of the Commission (EU) 2016/1141 of 13 July 2016 that is directly applicable. Therefore the list has not been implemented in a statutory order, but Statutory Order no. 1088 of 18 July 2016 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species refers to the list.

The first list entered into force on 3 August 2016 and will be updated regularly.

5 Preparation of risk assessment. Describes what the risk assessment for species proposed for the Union list is to include.

No action.

Risk assessments must be prepared by a country that wants to propose species for the list.

6 Provisions for the outermost regions. No action. The provision has no relevance for Denmark.

7 Restrictions on intentional introduction, keeping, breeding, transportation, marketing, using, reproducing and releasing in the environment of invasive species.

Member States must take all the measures necessary to avoid unintentional spread of invasive species.

The restrictions are directly applicable but must be subject to penalties in a statutory order (see Article 30).

Addressed through the pathways of unintentional intro-duction and spread of invasive alien species analysis (see Article 13), and the prioritisation hereof. When this task has been completed, an assessment on how to prevent uninten-tional spread can be made.

From when the first Union list entered into force on 3 August 2016, see Article 31 on transitional provisions.

8 Permits for ex-situ conservation and research with invasive species included on the Union list.

Implemented by Statutory Order no. 1088 of 18 July 2016 from the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark.

The Danish EPA is the competent authority to issue the permits and establish a permit system.

From when the first Union list entered into force on 3 August 2016.

9 Authorisations to also include other activities imperative for important public interest, providing they are authorised by the Commission.


The Danish EPA is the competent authority to issue the permits and establish a permit system.

Effective from 3 August 2016.

Danish EPA | Annex 2: EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species – content, actions and timeframe | 59


10 Emergency measures – grant Member States the possibility to control species that are NOT on the Union list, but are as-sessed to meet the criteria to be included on the list. If this possibility is utilized, the Commission must be informed, and subsequently it will assess whether the conditions are fulfilled.

Directly applicable and will not be implemented.

Expected to be applied in Denmark to a very limited extent, if at all. Must be included in the control measures, see under Article 19.

Effective from 1 January 2015.

11 Access for Member States to, on their national list (see Ar-ticle 12), include species (indigenous or alien in the Union) that require enhanced regional cooperation. The Commissi-on can request Member State to take measures relating to these species.

The provision will not be implemented.

Species on the current Danish list (cf. Article 12) are not assessed to require regional cooperation at the moment.

If the Commission adopts the implementing act, which requests Denmark to use the Regulation on species subject to the provision, Denmark must be capable of controlling these. This will be included in the general management me-asures, which are to be ready on 1 July 2017, see Article 19.

Effective from 1 July 2017.

12 National list of species of Member State concern.

Member States can use some of the measures from the Regulation on species on the national list.

The Minister proposes to establish a national list of invasive species.

Requires that a broader legal authority be established to lay down regulations on the prevention of introduction and spread of invasive alien species of national concern in the Nature Protection Act.

13 Action plan on the pathways of invasive species. An analysis of pathways will be established.

The analysis will at least include the species on the list and identify prioritised pathways that requires action due to potential damage from invasive species.

One or more action plans will be adopted with a timeframe for actions to prevent unintentional introduction.

The analysis and prioriti-sation of pathways will be available by February 2018.

Preparation of action plan(s) for prioritised pathways will be available by August 2019.

14 Surveillance system

Member States must establish a surveillance system of invasive alien species of Union concern, or include the surveillance in their existing system.

How the surveillance is to be included in the existing sy-stem in the most appropriate way will be established.

The surveillance system will be finalised by no later than February 2018.

15 Official controls

Member States must have in place fully functioning struc-tures for controlling intentional introduction of species on the Union list.

Implemented by Statutory Order no. 1088 of 18 July 2016 from the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark, and a cooperation agreement with the Central Customs and Tax Administration (SKAT).

2.1.2016.

16 Early detection notifications When new species, included on the Union list are detected through control and surveillance, the other Member States will be notified.

17 Rapid eradication at an early stage of invasion

Denmark must notify measures to eradicate species to the Commission and Member States, including the effec-tiveness of the measures. Requirements for eradication measures Member States must monitor the effectiveness of surveillance.

By no later than three months after notification of early detection, control measures will be initiated, and the Com-mission will be notified of these.

Requires implementation if the control measures are impo-sed on others (land owners, the municipality). Included in forthcoming work to finding a joint regime for the eradica-tion campaign.

Effective measures that permanently remove the invasive species. Description of how controlling animal species will take animal welfare into consideration, and how the effect of the action is to be monitored.


18 Derogation from the obligation of rapid eradication.

On the basis of robust scientific evidence, the Member States can under certain circumstances decide not to eradi-cate an invasive species.

Will not be implemented, but it will be possible to prove compliance with the provisions of Article 18, and the Com-mission will be informed that Article 18 has been applied.

19 Management measures

Member State must establish effective measures aimed at the eradication, control and containment of species on the Union list that are widely spread on the territory.

Effective measures for managing the species on the list will be established. These will be proportionate to the impact on the environment and be based on an analysis of costs and benefits. Including responsibility for control on private and municipal areas and a need for legal authority.

Other Member States and the Commission will be notified in the event of risks of spread of invasive species.

3 February 2018

60 | Danish EPA | Annex 2: EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species – content, actions and timeframe


20 Restoration of the damaged ecosystems

Member States must carry out the appropriate restoration measures to assist the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed by invasive alien species on the list unless a cost-benefit analysis demonstrates that the costs will be disproportionate to the benefits of restoration.

Measures that are potentially necessary to restore damaged ecosystems will be identified. These restoration measures will be assessed in relation to control measures. I.e. restoration measures are to be initiated on the basis of the control measures completed, and can therefore not be initiated until completion of control.

Will be clarified no sooner that the end of the eradication/control campaign for the specific species.

21 Costs recovery

Member States must aim to recover the costs from the polluter.

Costs will be covered if possible in accordance with national legislation.

22 Cooperation and coordination where relevant. The provision will not be implemented in Danish law, but Denmark will enter into a cooperation.

23 Member States may maintain or lay down more stringent national rules with the aim of preventing the introduction, establishment and spread of invasive species. These rules must be notified to the Commission.

More ambitious national rules.

Member States may introduce national rules that implement a higher level of environmental protection.

The provision is directly applicable and will not be implemented in Danish law.

24 Reporting and review. The provision will not be implemented in Danish law, but a number of conditions will be reported to the Commission every six years, by no later than 1 June 2019 for the first time.

The Commission has been informed that the Danish EPA is the competent authority for the Regulation in Denmark.

25 Information support system

The Commission must establish an information support system for invasive species and collate information from reports by Member States.

No action (the European Commission is responsible).

26 Public participation

Member States are obligated to include the public in action plans, Article 13, and management measures, Article 19.

The provision will not be implemented in Danish law, but the public will be included in connection with adoption of action plans and establishment of the control regime (probably in the form of consultation on the Statutory Order).

Mid 2017 at the earliest.

27 Committee The Danish EPA represents Denmark.

28 Scientific forum The Danish EPA represents Denmark.

29 Exercise of the delegation No action.

30 Penalties Implemented by the Statutory Order and notified to the Commission.


31 Transitional provisions for private owners of animals on the Union list

Requirements for private owners to be able to keep animals that are invasive species until they die.

The obligation is directly applicable for pet owners, but Member States must take all reasonable steps to inform animal owners about the risks posed by keeping animals included on the list, and about the measures that must be taken to minimise the risk of reproducing and escaping. An information/education action will therefore be implemented


32 Transitional provisions for commercial stocks of species on the Union list

Transition period of two years to dispose of stocks of inva-sive species.

Applies to commercial owners, but the authorities should be informed.


33 Entry into force The provision will not be implemented in Danish law.

Danish EPA | Annex 2: EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species – content, actions and timeframe | 61

Raccoon (Procyon lotor)The raccoon is a predator from North America and was released in Europe for hunting.

Photo: Colourbox

62 | Danish EPA | Annex 3: Invasive species assessed to have the greatest adverse impact in Denmark

Annex 3: Invasive species assessed to have the greatest adverse impact in Denmark

This Annex contains a list of 66 species, which have total score of 14-18 for a highly damaging impact

on the environment, human health and the economy. The assessment includes the potential adverse

impacts of those species that do not occur in Denmark. See background material on www.mst.dk

for a review of the scoring method and assessments of the rest of the invasive and alien species in

Denmark.

No. Common name

Scientific name Species group

In Den-mark

Spreading potential

Conservation value or natural

value of the habitat

Effect on indigenous

species

Effect on ecosystem functions

Economic effects

Health effects

Total score

1 Brown ratRattus norvegicus

Mammal DK 3 3 3 3 3 3 18

2 Giant hogweedHeracleum mantegazzianum

Plant DK 3 3 3 3 3 2 17

3 Raccoon dogNyctereutes procyonoides

Mammal DK 3 3 3 3 3 2 17

4Emerald ash borer

Agrilus planipennis

Arthropod 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

5A species of plant plankton

Alexandrium minutum

Plant plankton

DK 3 3 3 2 3 1 16

6Citrus long-hor-ned beetle

Anoplophora chinensis

Arthropod 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

7Asian long-horn beetle

Anoplophora glabripennis

Arthropod 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

8 Oak wiltCeratocystis fagacearum

Fungus 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

9 Zebra musselDreissena polymorpha

Mollusc DK 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

10Persian hogweed

Heracleum persicum

Plant DK 3 3 3 3 2 2 16

11Sosnowsky’s hogweed

Heracleum sosnowskyi

Plant DK 3 3 3 3 2 2 16

12 Ash diebackHymenoscyphus fraxineus

Fungus DK 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

13 American mink Mustela vison Mammal DK 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

14 Round gobyNeogobius melanostomus

Fish DK 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

Danish EPA | Annex 3: Invasive species assessed to have the greatest adverse impact in Denmark | 63

No. Common name


In Den-mark

Spreading potential




species


Economic effects

Health effects

Total score

15Dutch elm disease

Ophiostoma novo-ulmi

Fungus DK 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

16 Signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus

Arthropod DK 3 3 3 3 3 1 16

17 Raccoon Procyon lotor Mammal DK 3 3 3 3 2 2 16

18 Japanese rose Rosa rugosa Plant DK 3 3 3 3 3 1 16


Alexandrium tamarense

Plant plank-ton

DK 3 3 2 2 3 2 15

20Eastern baccharis

Baccharis halimifolia

Plant 3 2 3 3 2 2 15


Chattonella verruculosa

Plant plank-ton

DK 3 3 3 2 3 1 15

22Pacific oyster, Japanese oyster

Crassostrea gigas

Mollusc DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

23Maple bark disease

Cryptostroma corticale

Fungus 3 2 2 2 3 3 15

24A species of tunicate

Didemnum vexillum

Tunicate 3 3 2 3 2 2 15

25Large-flowered Waterweed

Egeria densa Aquatic plant 3 2 3 3 3 1 15

26 Water hyacinthEichhornia crassipes

Aquatic plant 3 3 3 2 1 3 15

27Common waterweed

Elodea canadensis

Aquatic plant DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

28Nuttall’s waterweed

Elodea nuttallii Aquatic plant DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

29A species of algae

Gracilaria vermiculophylla

Algae DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15


Heterosigma akashiwo

Plant plankton

DK 3 3 3 2 3 1 15


Karenia mikimotoi

Plant plankton

DK 3 3 3 2 3 1 15

32Curly waterweed

Lagarosiphon major


33 Water primroseLudwigia grandiflora


34Floating prim-rose-willow

Ludwigia peploides


35Red-gilled mud worm

Marenzelleria neglecta

Annelid DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

36 Comb jellyMnemiopsis leidyi

Ctenophore DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

37 Whitetop weedParthenium hysterophorus

Plant 3 3 3 2 1 3 15

38 Mugo pine Pinus mugo Plant DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15


Prorocentrum minimum

Plant plankton

DK 3 3 3 2 3 1 15

40Wild black cherry

Prunus serotina Plant DK 3 3 3 2 3 1 15


Pseudochatto-nella farcimen

Plant plankton

DK 3 3 3 2 3 1 15

42 JapweedSargassum muticum

Algae DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

64 | Danish EPA | Annex 3: Invasive species assessed to have the greatest adverse impact in Denmark

No. Common name


In Den-mark

Spreading potential




species


Economic effects

Health effects

Total score

43 Grey squirrelSciurus carolinensis

Mammal 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

44Canadian goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

Plant DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

45 Giant goldenrodSolidago gigantea

Plant DK 3 3 3 3 2 1 15

46 WakameUndaria pinnatifida

Algae 3 3 3 3 1 2 15

47Brown comb jellyfish

Beroe ovata Jellyfish DK 3 3 3 2 1 2 14

48Pine wood nematode

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Roundworm 3 3 2 2 3 1 14

49Fish-hook waterflea

Cercopagis pengoi

Arthropod 3 3 2 3 2 1 14

50Siberian silk moth

Dendrolimus sibiricus

Arthropod 3 2 2 2 3 2 14

51A species of arthropod

Dendrolimus superans

Arthropod 3 2 2 2 3 2 14

52Chinese mitten crab

Eriocheir sinensis

Arthropod DK 3 3 2 2 3 1 14

53Floating pennywort

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides


54 JewelweedImpatiens capensis

Plant DK 3 3 3 2 2 1 14

55Himalayan balsam

Impatiens glandulifera

Plant DK 3 3 3 2 2 1 14

56Polychaete worm

Marenzelleria viridis

Polychaete worm

DK 3 3 3 3 1 1 14

57 MuskratOndatra zibethicus

Mammal DK 3 3 3 2 2 1 14

58 Red king crabParalithodes camtschaticus

Arthropod 2 3 3 3 2 1 14

59Beech bleeding canker

Phytophthora kernoviae

Fungus 2 3 2 3 3 1 14

60Sudden oak death

Phytophthora ramorum

Fungus 2 3 2 3 3 1 14


Pissodes nemorensis

Arthropod 3 3 2 2 3 1 14


Pissodes strobi Arthropod 3 3 2 2 3 1 14

63Japanese knotweed

Reynoutria japonica

Plant DK 2 3 3 3 2 1 14

64 Giant knotweedReynoutria sachalinensis

Plant DK 2 3 3 3 2 1 14

65Bohemian knotweed

Reynoutria x bohemica

Plant DK 2 3 3 3 2 1 14

66Common cord-grass

Spartina anglica Aquatic plant DK 3 3 3 3 1 1 14

Danish EPA | Annex 3: Invasive species assessed to have the greatest adverse impact in Denmark | 65

Goldfish (Carassius auratus)If goldfish are released in nature, they can survive, breed, and have a great impact on the ecosystem.

Photo: iStock

66 | Danish EPA | Annex 4: Measures in relation to the 66 invasive species with the greatest adverse impact

Annex 4: Measures in relation to the 66 invasive species with the greatest adverse impact

Summary of state measures in relation to the 66 invasive species with the greatest adverse impact

with a total score of 14 or higher. The column ”In DK” states whether the species is established in Den-

mark. The column ”On the 1st Union list 2016 (37 species)” states the 37 species on the Union list. The

column ”Under negotiation for the 2nd Union list 2017 (12 species)” states the 12 species that were

under negotiation for the first update of the Union list, expected in 2017, when this action plan was

published. The column ”Other area, e.g. organisms harmful to plants, Natura 2000” states whether

the species is controlled in other state areas, e.g. legislation on organisms harmful to plants (Directive

2000/29/EC) or the Nature Directives. This is clarified in the column ”Remarks”. The column ”Species

with national bans (14 species)” states the 14 invasive species of concern in Denmark that are banned

by the Danish Ministry for Environment and Food. The column ”Other action” states whether there

are other actions that can reduce the distribution or adverse impacts of the species, e.g. the Ballast

Water Management Convention. For some species, e.g. many marine and freshwater species, no ac-

tions are possible. These species are stated in the column ”Action not possible”.

No. Common name

Scientific name

Species group

In DK Total score On the 1st Union list 2016

(37 species)

On th 2nd Union list

2017 (12 species)

Other area, e.g. organ-

isms harmful to plants or

Nature Directives

Species with national

bans (14 species)

Other action

Action not

possible

1Brown rat

Rattus norvegicus

Mammal DK 18 x

Remarks Comprehensive control measures at municipal level. Around DKK 200 mill. are spent annually on rat control in Denmark.

2

Giant hogweedHeracleum man-tegazzianum

Plant DK 17 x x

RemarksComprehensive, voluntary municipal control measures, control measures in many public areas. Local control measures continue e.g. in Natura 2000 areas.

3Raccoon dog

Nyctereutes procyonoides

Mammal DK 17 x x

Remarks Action plan and control measures continue.

4

Emerald ash borer

Agrilus planipennis

Arthropod 16 x

Remarks Organisms harmful to plants – regulated by the Danish Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries.

5

A species of plant plankton

Alexandrium minutum

Plant plank-ton

DK 16 x

Remarks No known control methods, continued introduction is prevented through the Ballast Water Management Convention.

6

Citrus long-hor-ned beetle

Anoplophora chinensis

Arthropod 16 x


Danish EPA | Annex 4: Measures in relation to the 66 invasive species with the greatest adverse impact | 67

No. Common name

Scientific name

Species group


(37 species)


2017 (12 species)



Nature Directives


bans (14 species)

Other action

Action not

possible

7

Asian long-horn beetle

Anoplophora glabripennis

Arthropod 16 x


8Oak wilt

Ceratocystis fagacearum

Fungus 16 x


9

Zebra musselDreissena polymorpha

Mollusc DK 16 x

RemarksThe species is widely spread in several freshwaters in Denmark and cannot be controlled. Measures comprise information and prevention through the Ballast Water Management Convention.

10

Persian hogweed

Heracleum persicum

Plant DK 16 x

RemarksStill only a few occurrences in Denmark. These can be controlled locally. If occurrences are observed, an assessment of eradication options and cost effectiveness is initiated, and after this a control plan is prepared as fast as possible, if required. Possibly several populations that have been mistaken for giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).

11

Sosnowsky’s hogweed

Heracleum sosnowskyi

Plant DK 16 x

RemarksStill only a few occurrences in Denmark. These can be controlled locally. If occurrences are observed, an assessment of eradication options and cost effectiveness is initiated, and after this a control plan is prepared as fast as possible, if required. Possibly several populations that have been mistaken for giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).

12

Ash diebackHymenoscyphus fraxineus

Fungus DK 16 x

RemarksThe species is widely spread in Denmark and cannot be controlled. Measures comprise only information measures and felling the affected trees to secure value of timber. Furthermore, there are attempts to identify resistant trees.

13Mink Mustela vison Mammal DK 16 x

Remarks Action plan and control measures continue.

14

Round gobyNeogobius melanostomus

Fish DK 16 x

RemarksNo known control methods. Intensive fishing attempted but cannot control the species enough to avoid adverse impacts and further sprea-ding.

15

Dutch elm disease

Ophiostoma novo-ulmi

Fungus DK 16 x

Remarks The disease has almost eradicated all large elm trees in Denmark.

16

Signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus

Arthropod DK 16 x

RemarksThe crayfish has spread to watercourses over most of Denmark. Distribution is monitored. Control measures are not really possible, intensive fishing has been attempted. Information measures and encouraging catches to limit the adverse impacts.

17Raccoon Procyon lotor Mammal DK 16 x

Remarks If individuals are observed in nature, a control plan is initiated as fast as possible.

18

Japanese rose Rosa rugosa Plant DK 16 x x

RemarksComprehensive, voluntary municipal control measures, control measures in many public areas. Local control measures continue e.g. in Natura 2000 areas. Covered by a possible national trade ban.

19


Alexandrium tamarense

Plant plank-ton

DK 15 x


20

Eastern bac-charis

Baccharis halimifolia

Plant 15 x

RemarksIf occurrences are observed, an assessment of eradication options and cost effectiveness is initiated, and after this a control plan is prepared as fast as possible, if required.

21


Chattonella verruculosa

Plant plank-ton

DK 15 x



No. Common name

Scientific name

Species group


(37 species)


2017 (12 species)



Nature Directives


bans (14 species)

Other action

Action not

possible

22

Pacific oysterCrassostrea gigas

Mollusc DK 15 x

RemarksNo known control methods. Fishing/dredging attempted, but can have adverse impacts on the surrounding nature and will not control the oyster enough to avoid adverse impacts and further spreading.

23

Maple bark disease

Cryptostroma corticale

Fungus 15 x

Remarks No known control methods.

24A tunicate

Didemnum vexillum

Tunicate 15 x

Remarks No known control methods, prevented through the Ballast Water Management Convention.

25Anachris Egeria densa Aquatic plant 15 x


26

Water hyacinthEichhornia crassipes

Aquatic plant 15 x

RemarksIf occurrences are observed, an assessment of eradication options and cost effectiveness is initiated, and after this a control plan is prepared as fast as possible, if required. Probably unable to survive the Danish winter.

27

Common wa-terweed

Elodea canadensis

Aquatic plant DK 15 x

Remarks Covered by a possible national trade ban.

28

Nuttall’s wa-terweed

Elodea nuttallii Aquatic plant DK 15 x x


29

Gracilaria ver-miculophylla

Gracilaria vermiculophylla

Algae DK 15 x


30


Heterosigma akashiwo

Plant plankton

DK 15 x


31


Karenia miki-motoi

Plant plankton

DK 15 x


32

Curly waterweedLagarosiphon major

Aquatic plant 15 x


33

Large-flower primrose-willow

Ludwigia grandiflora

Aquatic plant 15 x


34

Floating primro-se-willow

Ludwigia peploides

Aquatic plant 15 x


35

Red-gilled mud worm

Marenzelleria neglecta

Annelid DK 15 x


36Sea walnut

Mnemiopsis leidyi

Ctenophore DK 15 x



No. Common name

Scientific name

Species group


(37 species)


2017 (12 species)



Nature Directives


bans (14 species)

Other action

Action not

possible

37

Whitetop weedParthenium hysterophorus

Plant 15 x


38Mugo pine Pinus mugo Plant 15 x

Remarks Control measures continue locally e.g. in Natura 2000 areas.

39


Prorocentrum minimum

Plant plankton

15 x


40

Wild black cherry

Prunus serotina Plant 15 x x

Remarks Local control measures continue e.g. in Natura 2000 areas. Covered by a possible national trade ban.

41


Pseudochatto-nella farcimen

Plant plankton

15 x


42Japweed

Sargassum muticum

Algae 15 x


43

Grey squirrelSciurus carolinensis

Mammal 15 x

RemarksIf individuals are observed in nature, as assessment of eradication options and cost effectiveness is initiated, and after this a control plan is prepared as fast as possible, if required.

44

Canadian gol-denrod

Solidago canadensis

Plant 15 x x

Remarks Covered by a possible national trade ban. Controlled locally in many places. Local control measures continue e.g. in Natura 2000 areas.

45Giant goldenrod

Solidago gigantea

Plant 15 x x


46Wakame

Undaria pinnatifida

Algae 15 x


47

Brown comb jellyfish

Beroe ovata Jellyfish 14 x


48

Pine wood nematode

Bursaphelenchus xylophilus

Roundworm 14 x


49

Fish-hook wa-terflea

Cercopagis pengoi

Arthropod 14 x


50

Siberian silk moth

Dendrolimus sibiricus

Arthropod 14 x


51

A species of arthropod

Dendrolimus superans

Arthropod 14 x


52

Chinese mitten crab

Eriocheir sinensis

Arthropod 14 x


53

Floating pen-nywort

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

Aquatic plant 14 x



No. Common name

Scientific name

Species group


(37 species)


2017 (12 species)



Nature Directives


bans (14 species)

Other action

Action not

possible

54Jewelweed

Impatiens capensis

Plant DK 14 x

Remarks Covered by a possible national trade ban.

55

Himalayan balsam

Impatiens glandulifera

Plant DK 14 x x

Remarks Controlled locally in many places.

56

Polychaete worm

Marenzelleria viridis

Polychaete worm

DK 14 x


57Musk rat

Ondatra zibethicus

Mammal DK 14 x x

Remarks If individuals are observed in nature, a control plan is initiated as fast as possible. Covered by a possible national trade ban.

58Red king crab

Paralithodes camtschaticus

Arthropod 14 x


59

Beech bleeding canker

Phytophthora kernoviae

Fungus 14 x

Remarks Monitored as P. ramorum. If individuals are observed in nature, a control plan may be initiated as fast as possible.

60

Sudden oak death

Phytophthora ramorum

Fungus 14 x x

RemarksOrganisms harmful to plants – regulated by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. If individuals are observed in nature, a control plan may be initiated as fast as possible.

61


Pissodes nemorensis

Arthropod 14 x


62


Pissodes strobi Arthropod 14 x


63

Japanese knot-weed

Reynoutria japonica

Plant DK 14 x x


64Giant knotweed

Reynoutria sachalinensis

Plant DK 14 x x


65

Bohemian knotweed

Reynoutria x bohemica

Plant DK 14 x

Remarks Covered by a possible national trade ban. Controlled locally in many places.

66

Common cord-grass

Spartina anglica Aquatic plant DK 14 x

Remarks Controlled in many places e.g. in Natura 2000 sites and in the LIFE project on Læsø.


Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis and Solidago gigantea)Goldenrod can form dense populations, where no other plants can be established.

Photo: iStock

72 | Danish EPA | Annex 5: Bans on invasive species in Denmark

Annex 5: Bans on invasive species in Denmark

Article 12 of Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species provides Member States with the option

to establish a national list of invasive species, to which the provisions in Articles 7, 8, 13-17, 19 and 20 of

the Regulation can be applied if relevant.

The 14 invasive species on the national list are described below, including the judicial instruments and

an assessment of the financial consequences.

Plants

No. Species name

Species Latin name

Ban on import, transport, placing on the market and

exchanging living/reproducing parts (Article 7a, d, e, f)

Ban on holding, breeding, cultivation

and reproducing (Article 7b, c, g)

Ban on releasing into the

environment (Article 7h)

Possibilities for permit for research etc.

(Article 8)

1 Common waterweed

Elodea canadensis

YES

The effect of the bans will be that they could help stop/curb the spread of Common waterweed, which until now has spread to only a limited extent.

NO

Many people have the species in their garden, and they would be criminalised with a ban. Moreover a ban cannot be enforced.

YES YES

2 Canadian goldenrod

Solidago canadensis

YES

The bans are assessed to be advantageous for bio-diversity and the national economy because of they strengthen measures against invasive species of national concern that over time may result in higher costs for control measures.

NO


YES YES

3 Giant gol-denrod

Solidago gigantea

YES

The bans are assessed to be advantageous for bio-diversity and the national economy because of they strengthen measures against invasive species of national concern that over time may result in higher costs for control measures.

NO


YES YES

4 Wild black cherry

Prunus serotina

YES

Potential adverse impact on biodiversity, but in neig-hbouring countries very high costs for business and society. The effect of the bans will be preventive.

NO


YES YES

5 Japanese knotweed

Reynoutria japonica

YES


NO


YES YES

6 Giant knot-weed

(syn. Fallopia japonica)

YES


NO


YES YES

Danish EPA | Annex 5: Bans on invasive species in Denmark | 73

No. Species name

Reynoutria sachalinensis





Ban on releasing into the

environment (Article 7h)


(Article 8)

7 A hybrid of Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed

Reynoutria bohemica (syn. Reynou-tria japonica x sachalinen-sis, Fallopia bohemica)

YES


NO


YES YES

8 Jewelweed Impatiens capensis

YES

Relatively major damage to biodiversity and control measures have already been initiated many places. The bans are assessed to be advantageous for bio-diversity and the national economy because of they strengthen measures against invasive species of national concern that over time may result in higher costs for control measures.

NO


YES YES

9 Small balsam

Impatiens parviflora

YES

Relatively major damage to biodiversity and control measures have already been initiated many places. The bans are assessed to be advantageous for bio-diversity and the national economy because of they strengthen measures against invasive species of national concern that over time may result in higher costs for control measures.

NO


YES YES

10 New Zea-land pig-myweed

Crassula helmsii

YES


NO


YES YES

11 Water fern Azolla filiculoides

YES


NO


YES YES

12 Japanese rose

Rosa rugosa YES

Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa) causes excessive damage to nature, but it is already so widely spread that the effect of the bans is primarily to establish logical cohe-sion between control measures and the trade ban.

NO


YES YES

74 | Danish EPA | Annex 5: Bans on invasive species in Denmark

Animals

No. Species name

Species Latin name





Ban on releasing into the environment

(Article 7h)


(Article 8)

13 Muskrat Ondatra zibethicus

YES YES NO

Not relevant, there are already bans on releasing alien animals into nature according to section 31 of the Nature Protection Act.

YES

14 Danube crayfish (Turkish crayfish)

Astacus leptodactylus

YES

Illegal release of the species into lakes and watercou-rses is limited. Five other invasive crayfish species are on the Union list and are therefore also banned, and the effect of the bans will make sense in this context.

YES NO

Not relevant, there are already bans on releasing alien animals into nature according to section 31 of the Nature Protection Act.

YES

Danish EPA | Annex 6: The advisory group on invasive species | 75

Annex 6: The advisory group on invasive species

AuthorityThe Danish EPA

The Danish Nature Agency

The Danish Agency for Agriculture and Fisheries

OrganisationAqua Freshwater Centre

Danish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (DAZA)

Danish Hunters' Association

The Danish Society for Nature Conservation

The Danish Botanical Society

Danish Horticulture

Danish Ornithological Society – BirdLife Denmark

Dansk Planteskoleejerforening (Danish Garden Centre Owner Association)

Danish Forest Association

The Danish Association of Anglers

The Technical University of Denmark, Aqua

Dyrehandlernes brancheforening (Pet Owners Industry Association)

The Danish Entomological Association

Local Government Denmark

University of Copenhagen, Science

University of Copenhagen, Natural History Museum of Denmark

The Danish Agriculture & Food Council

WWF

Aarhus University, DCE

Aarhus University, JVF

The Danish Environmental Protection AgencyHaraldsgade 53DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark

www.mst.dk

Documents

Action plan against invasive species - Miljøstyrelsen › media › 191170 › 04_uk_handlingsplan_invasive-a… · this new action plan against invasive species. International cooperation