|
15 December 2011
Chinese Mitten Crab - Eriocheir sinensis
Image from NNSS
A national camapign has been launched in order to record Chinese Mitten Crabs in the UK.
The full extent of these exotic pests in English and Welsh waters is currently unclear and a consortium of research institutes is requesting mitten crab sightings from members of the public, anglers and waterway workers, to clarify the distribution of this species. To learn more about the recording project, go to http://mittencrabs.org.uk
There has been one record of this species in Cumbria in 2006 so far, from the Duddon Estuary near Millom.
For an identification guide, go to Chinese Mitten Crab ID.
Killer Shrimp - Dikerogammarus villosus
Image from NNSS
As part of the GB rapid response protocol, this is a species alert for Dikerogammarus villosus (also known as the 'killer shrimp').
This is an invasive non-native species that has spread from the Ponto-Caspian Region of Eastern Europe. As a voracious predator it kills a range of native species, including young fish, and can significantly alter ecosystems. It has recently been found in GB.
*All caution needs to be taken to ensure that this species does not enter Cumbrian waters*
United Utilities has taken actions in order to prevent the killer shrimp entering their recreational reservoirs by banning the use of floating tubes used by some anglers. More information can be found on their website: http://www.unitedutilities.com/7807.aspx
The following information has been taken from the GB Non Native Species Secretariat and the Enviornment Agency to help you to identify and understand the problems this species can cause. The information shall be updated regularly as the situation develops.
If you think you have come across the killer shrimp, please report your sighting, along with a photograph and details of where you saw it, to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and to the Initiative Coordinator.