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  • How to report an INNS sighting

How to report an INNS sighting

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Why it is important to report sightings of INNS?

Your data helps improve our understanding of how INNS are behaving in Scotland and can help inform management plans or other action to contain or control them.

How to report a sighting?

It is illegal to release, plant or allow to spread any non-native species into the wild. Don’t collect it or move it - leave it where it is!

To report your sighting, make a note of:

  • the date
  • the species (Use the Non-Native Species Secretariat ID Sheets for help with identification)
  • the number or quantity seen
  • the national grid reference (the phone apps should generate this automatically but if you need help go to UK Grid Reference Finder)
  • take a photo if possible as this may help verify the record


You can report your sighting to:

How to report escaped farmed fish?

Escaped farmed fish should be reported to the Scottish Government Fish Health Inspectorate (FHI). It is a legal requirement for the operator to do so and FHI will investigate reports from partner organisations and members of the public in relation to fish farms. You can report escaped farmed fish by emailing FHI or by calling 0131 244 3498.

Outside of office hours, you can call the main switchboard on 0131 244 1833 and ask for the FHI duty inspector. Further information is available from the Fish Health Inspectorate.

Reporting illegal activities

To report illegal activity such as fly-tipping of non-native plants (or garden waste that could contain them), or the trapping or moving of crayfish:

  • Police: if you witness an illegal activity, contact the police by email or by using the non-emergency 101 phone number. You can find more information on the Police Scotland Wildlife Crime webpage.
  • All types of fly-tipping, including the dumping of garden waste that could contain non-native species should be reported to the Local Authority where the dumping was found - check who to contact on this UK Gov website.

Who to contact about INNS?

If you have a query that is not answered in other sections of this webpage, you can contact the habitat lead directly: