Festival Biosecurity: Keeping Out Invasive Non Native Species |
| Posted by Alastair (alastair) on May 04 2011 |
You may or will not be aware of the biosecurity threat posed by invasive non native species (INNS). During the Deveron Fishing Festival 2011 the Trust will be taking all necessary proceedures to combat the infection of new INNS to the district. I think you will agree that by hosting a festival of this magnitude the possibility of accidently transfering one species to a new location is moderately high. This is largely due to the fact that anglers from across all corners of the UK and Europe will be participating. During the festival we will be attempting to prevent the induction of known INN parasites and invertibrates, such as the GS virus and the newly UK established Dikerogammarus Villosus profoundly nicknamed "The Killer Shirmp" for its ability to attack and kill all native river invertibrates. To prevent the induction and preserve our district from foreign invasion. Participants will be asked to disinfect all fishing equipment at their festival opening. There will be no charge for this measure.
What is Dikerogammarus villosus?
Dikerogammarus villosus is an invasive non-native shrimp that has spread from the Ponto-Caspian Region of Eastern Europe – it is native to the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It is believed to have invaded Western Europe via the Danube. It has spread across most of Western Europe over the last 10 years. It can grow to 30mm long in ideal conditions, much larger than our native freshwater shrimp. Specimens being recovered from and observed in Grafham Water at present are between 10 and 15mm in size. It often has striped or spotted markings. Due to its voracious appetite, it is commonly known as ‘killer shrimp’.
Why is it a problem?
The killer shrimp is a voracious predator. It kills a range of native species, such as freshwater invertebrates, particularly native shrimps and even young fish. This alters the ecology of the habitats it invades. It often kills its prey and leaves it uneaten. It tends to dominate the habitats it invades, sometimes causing the extinction of native species.
Can it hurt people?
It can bite you if you hold it, but this is no different to an insect bite, and it does not pose a risk to human health. There are no known health risks from drinking water from a reservoir that contains this shrimp. Water from Grafham is treated before it is supplied to homes in the region.
Is it found in the UK?
It has been found at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire on 3rd September. This is a water supply reservoir popular for angling and watersports. Anglian Water and Environment Agency scientists are monitoring lakes and streams nearby to assess whether it has spread to other sites.
The following governmental information is now being released to aid the prevention of the species and details that all angling equipment must be disinfected to prevent spread:
Last changed: May 04 2011 at 11:10 AM
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