Killer shrimp confirmed at further UK locations
by Emma Slater, RYA 6 Dec 2010 16:44 GMT
The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed the identification of ‘Dikerogammarus villosus’ or the ‘killer shrimp’ as it has become nicknamed in two more locations in the UK; Cardiff Bay and Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir in Port Talbot.
The shrimp which is a particularly aggressive predator preying on a range of invertebrates, particularly native shrimps and young fish and can wipe out entire populations and damage ecosystems, was discovered at Grafham Water earlier this year and the RYA has been encouraging boaters to do everything they can to minimise the spread of these voracious invasive predators.
“Harmless to humans, the killer shrimp can be spread around the country in a number of ways including on the hulls of our boats and associated kit and given that it has now appeared in Wales it is really important that we boaters do our bit to limit any further spread around the country”, commented Caroline Price, RYA Planning and Environmental Advisor.
The RYA has produced guidance on how to minimise the spread of non-native invasive species and urges all clubs and individual boaters to follow this advice and remain vigilant to the risk of spread.
Corus Sailing Club at Port Talbot and the Cardiff Bay Yacht Club and Cardiff Yacht Club in Cardiff Bay are continuing to operate as normal however, all water users are making strenuous efforts to confine the problem and boats leaving the club premises are being washed down with freshwater first.
“We are fully supportive of the actions being taken by all affected clubs and would encourage all visitors to continue to enjoy the facilities available in both locations”, concluded Caroline.
More information on the killer shrimp can be found at the Non Native Species Secretariat at the Department for Food and Rural Affairs.