| Author |
 Topic  |
|
admin
Admin
16 Posts
|
|
 Posted -
11/06/2007
:
18:02:41
|
As an update to this story I recently read that the environment agency has been actively clearing some waters in North Wales where these pests have been found.
Invasive Shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus. Briefing Note 3, 28th March 2011. Introduction The invasive non native shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus (‘killer shrimp’),was first reported in the UK on 3rd September in Grafham Water SSSI in Cambridgeshire, and was subsequently found on 25th November in Cardiff Bay, and on 26th November in Eglwys Nunydd reservoir (Port Talbot), in South Wales. Briefing notes 1 and 2 (11th October 2010; 22nd December 2010) provided information on the response to these discoveries. Both available at: www.nonnativespecies.org/alerts/killershrimp This briefing note provides a further update on developments. D. villosus is an aggressive predator with a high rate of reproduction. It is an extremely successful invasive species with the potential to spread quickly and to cause harm to freshwater ecosystems. We predict that if it becomes widespread it will threaten a number of native species through predation and competition and will have knock-on effects for biodiversity and the wider functioning of freshwater ecosystems in the UK. The shrimp has already colonised parts of Western Europe, killing and out-competing a range of aquatic species such as freshwater invertebrates, particularly native freshwater shrimps and even very young fish. It therefore can alter the ecology of the habitats it invades. The potential impact of the invasive shrimp D. villosus is thought to be one of the most damaging invasive species in Europe. The UK Technical Advisory Group for the Water Framework Directive (UKTAG) has included it on their list of high impact species and it is amongst the ‘Top 100’ invasive alien species in Europe ( www.europe-aliens.org ). It has the potential to significantly affect the ecology of our major rivers, canals and lakes as well as some brackish habitats. D. villosus has spread rapidly across Europe following the opening of the Rhine- Main-Danube canal in 1992. This links its home waters (the region of the Caspian and Black Seas) to Western Europe, so the shrimp is now found in many countries including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. Context to the response The Non-native Species Secretariat has responsibility for helping to coordinate the overall approach to invasive non-native species issues in Great Britain. The Secretariat reports to the GB Non-native Species Programme Board which represents the relevant governments and agencies of England, Scotland and Wales. The approach to invasive non-native species is summarised in the Invasive Non-native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain, which is intended to provide a strategic framework within which the actions of government departments, their related bodies and key stakeholders can be better co-ordinated. More information on the Non-native Species Secretariat can be found at: www.nonnativespecies.org
Given the potential impacts of D. villosus and the significant challenges we face in dealing with events as they develop, we need to keep current actions under review. Our current priorities are: contain it at known affected sites; investigate whether it is present elsewhere; identify and commission investigations and research on key aspects of its impact and effectiveness of biosecurity measures; and promote behaviour that will reduce the risks of spreading it from one place to another. We will be reviewing the effectives of current measures and advising Defra and WAG on current policy aims. Managing the response The response to this species in England and Wales is being led by a National Task Group comprising staff from Defra, WAG and expert advisers from the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales. The Task Group is coordinating delivery of the response plan and key high level actions. There are several workstreams aimed at addressing the main issues and progress will be reported to the GB Non Native Species Programme Board. Developments since Briefing note #2 Containment: site managers and users of the three known affected sites are continuing to implement bio-security good practice in recognition of the critical importance of preventing any spread from these sites. Basic bio-security advice is available at the GB Non Native Species Secretariat’s website: www.nonnativespecies.org/alerts/killershrimp
Pilot studies were conducted in late January-early February in an unheated outbuilding. It was found that the shrimps could survive for up to 15 days on wet, folded waders and for up to 7 days on a folded, damp net. Therefore it remains vitally important that all equipment is thoroughly checked, washed and dried to avoid risk of introducing the shrimp to another water body. These measures are essential if we are to preserve as many options as possible for control measures in due course and the cooperation of all involved is greatly appreciated.
Surveillance and monitoring: no new discoveries have been made beyond the three known affected sites during winter surveillance. The Environment Agency is planning to deploy specially adapted traps in the coming months to enhance our ability to investigate whether the shrimp is present at any other sites. See the Environment Agency press release of 3rd March at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/news/127915.aspx Nature conservation sites: Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales are leading work to identify high risk nature conservation sites and planning work to implement relevant bio-security at those sites. This work is being done in liaison with the Environment Agency so that surveillance and monitoring effort is undertaken as strategically as possible. The nature conservation agencies are considering how best to involve the cooperation and assistance of stakeholders in planning this work and will be seeking their views shortly. For further information on this work please contact Genevieve Madgwick at Natural England: genevieve.madgwick@naturalengland.org.uk
Research: a scientific and technical advice group comprised of a range of experts is helping to identify and prioritise research needs. Research is being commissioned by Defra to investigate whether there are disinfectants suitable for practical use as part of the bio-security (decontamination) practices that would enhance their effectiveness by killing any shrimps present on equipment etc and further reducing any risks of translocation. A Cambridge University led research programme, supported by the University of Leeds and Queen’s University, Belfast, is underway, investigating the implications for biodiversity of invasion by D.villosus. This study includes: whether the predatory impact and prey range as observed in Europe is similar in the UK; whether the shrimp may be carrying parasites or is affected by parasites in the UK; the factors affecting its potential spread. Joint funders of this work include the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. Communications: a wide range of bodies have already been raising awareness of this issue amongst their memberships and this is greatly welcomed. Key personnel from within Government and its agencies as well as representatives of relevant landowners, water user groups and conservation interests are now coordinating efforts to improve the flow of information and advice to those who need to know.
A communications group has been established to coordinate communications activities across the relevant Government departments and agencies as well as other stakeholders and partners. A number of recreational bodies, environmental NGOs and other relevant/interested organisations are represented on this group, which also provides a forum for a broader exchange on issues and concerns about the species and the response measures being taken. If you wish to learn more about this group please contact: emma.kiddle@defra.gsi.gov.uk or caroline.deville@defra.gsi.gov.uk The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is working with the Environment Agency, Natural England and representatives of relevant landowners, water user groups and conservation organisations to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the problems caused by aquatic invasive species in our waters. The campaign calls on water users to help stop the spread of these species by following some simple bio-security practices – to check, clean and dry their equipment - when leaving the water. The campaign launched on Monday 28th March and the campaign website at www.direct.gov.uk/checkcleandry went live on this day. What can your organisation do? Bio-security advice is available from the central information point for the invasive shrimp at the GB Non Native Species Secretariat website: www.nonnativespecies.org/alerts/killershrimp
This includes information on shrimp identification and interim bio-security guidance for anglers and boaters. Keep up to date with this website as it will be periodically updated as new information and guidance becomes available. It is important that anyone monitoring or surveying freshwaters is vigilant and reports suspected sightings of the shrimp via the NNSS website. You should be particularly vigilant at water bodies with stony or artificial substrate, and those containing zebra mussels. Where D.villosus has been detected the bio-security advice for boating and angling should be applied to any equipment that has been in contact with the water. It is always good practice to inspect, clean thoroughly and dry any equipment which has been in contact with the freshwater environment to minimise the risk of spreading non-native species. For D.villosus bio-security advice, please refer to the link above. We need your help to promote the Check, Clean, Dry campaign and to encourage water users to follow best bio-security practices when leaving the water. You can help by:
„h covering the issue on your website and in any internal newsletters or emails. You can access our press notice by using the links below. Contact us for a digital banner advert
„h printing off our poster and factsheets and distributing them appropriately
„h contacting us with your thoughts on how we can help you spread our message
„h We can provide speakers for events.
Email us for further information on how you can help on nnss@fera.gsi.gov.uk Further information If you have any queries or would like further information about the shrimp and the actions taken to control its spread, or if you feel your organisation can help, please visit: www.nonnativespecies.org/alerts/killershrimp
You can contact the GB Secretariat at the above address or alternatively you can contact Mark Diamond of the Environment Agency at: mark.diamond@environment-agency.gov.uk
Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) Disease - Protecting Your Fishery and Responsible AnglingKoi Herpesvirus (KHV) is a disease of common carp and carp varieties such as Koi. It can kill all the carp in a fishery, is easily spread and tends to occur in the summer when water temperatures reach between 15 °C and 28 °C. Fish showing clinical signs of the disease usually die within hours. At lower temperatures, fish may carry the virus that causes this disease without any obvious signs of infection making it difficult to detect without specialised tests. There is still a lot that we do not know about KHV disease and there is currently no treatment for it.The disease is most likely to be spread by the introduction of infected fish into fisheries and other angling waters. It is also possible that the virus responsible for causing KHV can be transmitted through contact with wet fishing equipment. To protect your fishery, or the place you fish, there are some practical steps you can take which will minimise the chance of fish becoming infected with KHV and help to prevent the spread of the disease. By following this simple guide you will reduce the risk of a KHV outbreak occurring and help to ensure that responsible carp angling continues:1. Do not stock fish unnecessarily, particularly species susceptible
to KHV such as common carp Stocking infected fish is the most likely way that KHV could be introduced into your fishery. Always think carefully before stocking fish as it may be difficult to detect fish infected with the disease, particularly at lower water temperatures. Consider alternative ways to improve the fishery and, if necessary, develop a stocking plan based on a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve. Do you know what type of fish and how many are already present in the water you are considering stocking? Do you know how many fish your water can sustain? If in doubt, take advice from the Environment Agency - it could help to protect your fishing and save you money?2. If you do stock fish, always ensure that you have consent from the
Environment AgencyThe process of gaining consent will help to ensure that you are not stocking fish from somewhere with a known disease problem. Never stock fish without consent, it could be harmful to your fishery and it is a criminal offence.3. Always stock fish from a reliable source and ensure the fish are
health checked Remember, KHV may be difficult to detect and standard health checks may not be sufficient to confirm that the fish are not infected. Insist on knowing the source of your fish and minimise the risk of disease transfer by not mixing stock from different sources. Fish from hatchery-reared fish farms will have a known health history and pose a lower risk than wild-cropped fish.
. Never stock ornamental fishKHV has been a major problem in the ornamental fish trade and the stocking of ornamental fish such as koi significantly increases the risk of introducing disease.
Do not stock ornamental varieties of fish into your fishery5. Minimise the potential for fish to become infected by maintaining
good fisheries management practices Good quality habitat will help to ensure that fish remain healthy. Features such as variations in water depth, plants in the water and waterside plants and trees will all be beneficial. Maintain a variety of fish species in your fishery. Fisheries dominated by a single fish species can be more susceptible to disease problems. Check the water quality of the fishery regularly, particularly during warmer months when fish will be most active. Take advice from your local Environment Agency fishery officer on how to do this and what the results mean.If you maintain a high stock level in your water, take swift action to rectify water quality problems and minimise fish stress. Monitor oxygen levels and take steps to oxygenate the water before problems occur. Supplemental feeding with a high quality carp feed can help maintain good nutrition, but keep an eye on ammonia levels.6. Ensure responsible angling practices Minimise fish stress as much as possible. Use unhooking mats when handling large fish and enforce keepnet limits at match waters. In very warm weather, good handling is critical and fish should not be retained. Dirty and wet fishing tackle (nets and unhooking mats etc.) could spread diseases, including KHV. There are two main ways of disinfecting fishing tackle. The first is to thoroughly dry equipment after fishing, preferably in direct sunlight. If this is not practical, then a chemical disinfectant can be used. These include iodine-based disinfectants (iodophores), or Virkon® S. For advice on disinfectants, talk to the Environment Agency.Disinfectant dips for nets can be used, but make sure the chemicals used are fresh and anglers use them correctly. For the best possible protection from disease, only allow anglers to use nets or unhooking mats supplied by the fishery.7. Stop angling on any water where fish are dying or showing symptoms of disease The Environment Agency strongly advises that angling should stop on any water where fish are dying or showing disease symptoms - this helps reduce stress on the fish and may aid their recovery. Once fish have stopped dying and the remaining fish are showing signs of recovery, such as feeding, then there is no reason why angling should not start again. However, fisheries that have had a disease outbreak should make landing or keep nets available for anglers
As web master of this site I would encourage all you anglers to use it and please post mesages and pictures. Use the classified section to sell or buy your tackle.
Tight lines
Huw
|
|
|
|
Invasive Shrimp , Dikerogammarus villosus.
