Invasive non-native species are outpacing efforts to control them.
A new report from Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) has revealed that existing regulation is falling short of tackling the growing threat they pose.
The report has found that the current regulatory approach in Scotland is not ambitious or effective enough to deal with the environmental, economic, and social risks posed by invasive species.
Mark Roberts, chief executive of ESS, said: "Our environment, economy, and communities are increasingly at risk from invasive non-native species, yet our report makes clear that the current system is not equipped to meet that challenge.
"The Scottish Government’s ambitions for managing INNS are mapped out in the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, the Scottish action plan for INNS and the new Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026.
"We now need action on our recommendations to ensure we have the regulatory framework in place to meet that ambition."
Invasive non-native species (INNS) are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss worldwide, disrupting ecosystems and outcompeting native flora and fauna.
They are listed as a contributing factor in 60 per cent of recorded global extinctions.
In Scotland, problematic invasive species include signal crayfish, American mink, and Japanese knotweed.
Signal crayfish harm native species through predation and habitat disruption, while American mink threaten ground-nesting birds and water voles.
Japanese knotweed, a fast-growing plant, can overwhelm native vegetation and damage sensitive habitats.
The ESS report identified several weaknesses in Scotland’s current approach.
The regulatory structure is described as ineffective, poorly understood, and inconsistently applied.
It also highlights that information on INNS control activity is fragmented and lacks consistent reporting at a national level. This limits both transparency and the ability to assess the effectiveness of INNS control activity.
ESS recommends that the Scottish Government update and clarify existing guidance, introduce stronger regulatory tools, and improve public reporting.
Action is needed especially for interventions spanning multiple landholdings or involving mobile species.
A 2023 Scottish Government study identified 30 high-risk invasive species that could establish themselves in Scotland within the next 10 years.
The Scottish Government must agree a plan, with clear actions, to address the issues identified by ESS within six months of the report’s publication.
Efforts to manage invasive species are critical to protecting Scotland’s biodiversity, maintaining ecosystem health, and reducing long-term economic costs.
Without stronger regulation and clearer national oversight, the spread of invasive species is likely to accelerate, threatening native wildlife and natural habitats across the country.
The ESS report serves as a call to action for the Scottish Government to close those regulatory gaps and strengthen its approach to invasive species management.
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