Biosecurity Planning Safeguards Port of Cromarty Firth from Marine INNS Risks
APEM Group’s Marine Consultancy and Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) teams collaborated with the Port of Cromarty Firth (PoCF) in Scotland...
APEM Group - Case Study
In a first-of-its-kind initiative for the Channel Islands, APEM Group delivered a comprehensive marine biosecurity strategy for the States of Guernsey.
Project Summary
Guernsey’s ambition to grow its blue economy (spanning commercial shipping, aquaculture, recreational marine use, and more) comes with increased biosecurity risks. Without robust, science-led planning, the introduction and spread of marine INNS (Invasive Non-Native Species), pests and pathogens could threaten biodiversity, disrupt local industries, and compromise the island’s vital aquatic animal “disease-free” status.
The States of Guernsey recognised the need for a dual approach: an evidence-based technical report to support longer-term statutory change, alongside stakeholder-focused outputs to ensure local communities and marine users are educated, engaged and empowered to act. The project combined top-down policy recommendations with bottom-up stakeholder engagement to mitigate the risks posed by marine INNS, pests, and pathogens – ensuring Guernsey’s marine ecosystems remain resilient and its blue economy sustainable.
Our Approach
Delivered by APEM’s specialist INNS team, the project drew on our deep expertise in marine biosecurity, INNS policy and legislation, strategy development, and stakeholder engagement. Key services included:
- Strategic review of local, UK and international legislation and policy
- Contingency and rapid response planning
- Species prioritisation framework development
- Monitoring and control recommendations
- Stakeholder engagement via workshops, site visits, and direct communications
These inputs culminated in two core outputs:
- Technical Report – A statutory-focused document providing key information to inform policy-based decision-making as well as short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for regulatory improvements.
- Marine User Biosecurity Guide – A practical resource tailored to commercial and recreational marine sectors, promoting best practice and behavioural change.
All photos courtesy of VisitGuernsey
Overcoming Challenges
Building trust with local stakeholders was essential. As external advisors, APEM needed to demonstrate sensitivity to Guernsey’s unique marine culture and community concerns. Through inclusive workshops and transparent communication, APEM ensured stakeholder voices were reflected in both the technical report and the biosecurity guide, strengthening their relevance and uptake.
All photos courtesy of VisitGuernsey
Tangible Benefits
The project’s outputs are already being shared at high-profile events, including the Inter-Island Environment Meeting 2025 (IIEM25) and the UK Overseas Territories Conservation Forum (UKOTCF). They form a key part of Guernsey’s Blue Economy Supporting Plan, helping to:
- Protect Guernsey’s aquatic animal disease-free status
- Reduce risks from INNS, pests and pathogens to commercial and recreational sectors
- Support sustainable growth through improved biosecurity governance
By aligning regulatory strategy with community-led action, APEM’s work enables long-term resilience and economic efficiency.
Interested in finding out more about APEM Group’s expertise in biosecurity planning? Why not read about another of our projects, supporting Port of Cromarty Firth?
Wider Impact of Strategic Biosecurity Planning
By proactively addressing the risks posed by INNS, pests and pathogens, the States of Guernsey are strengthening the resilience of their marine ecosystems and safeguarding long-term environment use. The biosecurity plan provides a scalable model for managing ecological pressures in dynamic coastal settings, offering practical insights for those navigating the intersection of environmental stewardship and operational growth.
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