Edinburgh: The Scottish Government, along with Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government, today launched the Invasive Non-Native Species Strategy for Great Britain.
The strategy aims to limit the spread of non-native animals and plants, such as grey squirrels and Japanese knotweed, that threaten indigenous species and will also look at ways in which further unwelcome intrusions can be prevented.
Mr Russell launched the Strategy at the Water of Leith, Edinburgh, where he took part in the removal of Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) seedlings from the riverbank. Simultaneous launch events have been carried out in England and Wales as part of a GB-wide approach.
A working group will be set up involving government bodies, trade organisations and conservation bodies to develop a plan to better inform people about invasive non-native species, what they can do to help avoid introducing them into the environment and why robust control or eradication measures are necessary against such species.
In addition a central information bank about invasive species that are here will be developed, including where they are so that control action and other programmes can be better planned, prioritised, costed and more effective.
A framework will be developed for instigating rapid responses when invasive species are detected for the first time in the Scotland or in places where spreading is not wanted. Rapid action can save millions of pounds in future costs, according to the Scottish Government.
Also strong risk assessment expertise will be developed, to guide priorities for action, to ensure that regulation or other measures are proportionate to the problem and to help identify potential problem species early.
Launching the strategy in Edinburgh, Environment Minister Michael Russell said:
"Scotland's rich natural heritage is at risk from a number of threats, including climate change and criminal activity.
"Alien species are also a significant problem and have been identified as the second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide.
"Today's strategy aims to minimise the risks posed - and the negative impacts caused - by invasive non-native species.
"This is crucial to ensure that Scotland's rich natural heritage is protected, particularly the fragile ecosystems on our offshore islands.
"The invaders can also have a detrimental impact on our economy with agriculture, forestry and fisheries being particularly vulnerable sectors, costing the British economy at least £2 billion per year.
"Scotland has found itself home to a large number of non-native species - 988 at the last count.
"Many of these can cause serious damage, not least the voracious American mink and the North American signal crayfish.
"Some plant species such as Japanese knotweed, rhododendron ponticum and Himalayan balsam can also cause havoc by threatening the growth of native species.
"Most famously, of course, the grey squirrel has flourished in Scotland. Due to its more aggressive nature and harbouring of disease, it is forcing out its red cousin, an iconic species in this country.
"We want to raise awareness to help prevent introductions in the first place and to ensure new species are detected early so that rapid responses can prevent them becoming major problems.
"There is already good work going on, including the trapping of mink in the Hebrides and removing the small and unassuming hedgehog from Uist, where its presence was putting local birdlife at risk.
"I was also pleased to see the National Trust for Scotland move quickly to check that the fragile eco-system of St Kilda would not be under threat from rats as a result of a recent shipwreck."