Introduction of new species from ships
52.—(1) It is an offence for any person on board a ship in any relevant part of the marine area deliberately to introduce into that area, other than in accordance with paragraph (3), any live animal or plant of a kind having a natural range which does not include any area in Great Britain.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1), “relevant part” means any part where the introduction would give rise to a risk of prejudice to natural habitats within their natural range or a risk of prejudice to wild native flora or fauna (whether in the place of introduction or elsewhere).
(3) An introduction is in accordance with this paragraph if—
(a)it resulted from a discharge of water carried as ballast and the discharge was necessary for the purpose of protecting the safety of any person or ship; and
(b)all reasonably practicable steps were taken—
(i)to avoid its occurring in an area where it would give rise to a risk of prejudice to natural habitats within their natural range or a risk of prejudice to wild native flora or fauna (whether in the place of introduction or elsewhere), and
(ii)to minimise any risk of such prejudice.
(4) In any proceedings for an offence under this regulation, it is for the defendant to show that the introduction in question was in accordance with paragraph (3).
(5) The appropriate authority may issue guidance about steps which may be taken to avoid committing an offence under this regulation.
(6) In any proceedings for an offence under this regulation—
(a)where the offence is alleged to have been committed in England, a court must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State under paragraph (5); and
(b)where the offence is alleged to have been committed in Wales, a court must have regard to any guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers under paragraph (5).
(7) A person guilty of an offence under this regulation is liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; or
(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine.
(8) Section 14(1) of the WCA 1981 (introduction of new species etc.) does not apply in relation to any act which is an offence under this regulation.
A relevant amendment to section 14 was made by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (c. 37), Part 4 of Schedule 16.