Lily Metchear is undergoing a degree in Environmental Science. She is carrying out a dissertation exploring the potential of paddlers spreading invasive species, and needs your help.
As a paddler and instructor myself, I love paddling and being outdoors in the natural environment.
However, as recreational users of water bodies with sensitive ecosystems, there is a risk of damaging sites we visit, through introducing invasive non-native species.
As part of my research, I hope to understand the awareness of paddlers to the Check, Clean Dry campaign and invasive species, as well as the biosecurity measures that paddlers are carrying out.
I also aim to understand how different factors such as demographics, kayaking experience and participation in competitive disciplines e.g canoe polo & slalom, result in changes in biosecurity behaviour and awareness.
This work will be very useful in guiding future work in the Check, Clean, Dry campaign and of PaddleUK, reducing the spread of invasive species and reducing the environmental impact of paddlers.
The link to the survey can be found below, and should take about 15 minutes to complete.
Any responses would be greatly appreciated, and help to understand the current risk of paddlers in the movement and introduction of invasive non-native species.
Link to the survey: https://southampton.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5z2ztHozQ7ISFxQ
