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Call for olympian effort against aquatic non-native species

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 28 March 2011

Gold medal Olympic rower and London 2012 ambassador, Ben Hunt-Davis joined Environment Minister Richard Benyon today to launch the Check, Clean, Dry campaign to stop the spread of aquatic invasive non-native species.

The campaign aims to counter the threat to Britain’s economy and wildlife posed by the spread of invasive non-native species such as the “killer shrimp”.

Richard Benyon said:

“Aggressive species from across the world have the potential to reach Britain and cause real damage and even wipe out some of our native wildlife.

“We all have a duty to stop this from happening, and all those that use the water for recreation and sport can do their bit by heeding the advice to Check, Clean and Dry their boats and gear. Just a few moments care can mean the difference between keeping our rivers and lakes healthy or infecting them with the likes of a killer shrimp or invasive non-native plants.”

Ben Hunt-Davis said:

“Rowers, along with other recreational water users, need to be aware of the simple actions they can take to protect our aquatic environments, not just from the killer shrimp but from all invasive non-native plants and animals.

“We all have a responsibility towards our natural environment so it is particularly encouraging to see so many organisations behind this campaign.

“Though we may have different interests, by working together under a common theme - Check, Clean, Dry - we can really drive this important message home. I’m really pleased therefore to support this campaign.”

The campaign is aimed at all those that use the water for recreation and sport who can unwittingly spread non-native invasive species as they move between different bodies of water like rowing lakes. Individual organisms, eggs, larvae and plant fragments can be carried on equipment, clothing and footwear.

All recreational water users can take some simple steps to help prevent the infection of healthy waterways:

Check equipment and clothing for live organisms - particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect.

Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothing thoroughly. If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them.

Dry all equipment and clothing - some species can live for many days in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere.

Defra is working with the Welsh Assembly Government and a wide range of conservation agencies and charities to tackle the threat posed by non-native aquatic species, but the public also has a vital role to play.

Chief Executive of the Angling Trust, Mark Lloyd, said:

“Invasive non-native species are of great concern to anglers. We are seeing fisheries in rivers and lakes being destroyed by their presence. We fully support this campaign to stop the spread and urge all water users to follow this best practice.”

Chief Executive of the British Canoe Union, Paul Owen, said:

“The BCU takes very seriously the need for biosecurity and we fully support the campaign. All of the home nations have produced clear guidelines for all canoeists in their country as to how to prevent the spread of alien species. Canoe England has the ’You, Your Canoe and the environment‘ leaflet which clearly defines best practice in terms of the environment and biosecurity. Canoeing is the most popular watersport and we encourage all canoeists, members or not, to follow our guidance for the environment and biosecurity.”

British Rowing Facilities Consultant, Alan Meegan, said:

“British Rowing is committed to helping Defra contain the spread of invasive aquatic species from overseas. Defra has been very pro-active over this and we are pleased to support them in doing all that we can to protect our native species”.

RYA Planning and Environmental Advisor, Caroline Price, said:

“The RYA welcomes this new awareness campaign. A joined-up approach is vital if we are to encourage best practice and prevent the spread of invasive species.”

Head of Science at the Salmon & Trout Association, Janina Gray, said:

“Invasive non-native species can cause far-reaching ecological imbalances within watercourses, so controlling their spread is vital if we are to protect native species and their habitats”

More information on the new campaign can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/checkcleandry

Notes to Editors

The campaign has the support of major bodies, water user groups and conservation organisations including: Anglian Water, Angling Trust, Association of Rivers Trusts, British Canoe Union, British Marine Federation, British Rowing, Environment Agency, Freshwater Biological Association, Natural England, Royal Yachting Association, and Salmon & Trout association.Non-native invasive species cost the British economy at least £1.7 billion each year and millions of pounds is spent on aquatic invaders alone. Below is a list of five examples of the worst offenders:

Killer Shrimp

Dikerogammarus villosus

Native to South-east EuropeDominant and voracious predator, kills insects and small fish on a massive scaleFound in three locations in England and Wales

Floating Pennywort

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

Native to North AmericaFound commonly across SE England Impedes navigation and suffocates aquatic organismsCosts the British economy £25 million each year (management and indirect costs such as to boating and angling)

Water Primrose

Ludwigia peploides

Native to South AmericaSmothers native plantlife and clogs waterwaysFound in small numbers in South East and South West England. Currently subject to an eradication campaign.

Zebra Mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

Native to South-east RussiaBlocks lock gates and intake pipes in waterworksFound commonly across England and Ireland, limited locations in Scotland and Wales

Quagga Mussel

Dreissena rostriformis

Native to ponto-caspian regionBlocks lock gates and intake pipes in waterworksNot present in the UK yet, but continues to cause problems in Europe.

D. villosus (‘killer shrimp’) has been found at Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire on 3rd September, Cardiff Bay 25th November and Eglwys Nunydd reservoir on 26th November 2010.

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Contacts:

Defra Press Office
Phone: 020 7238 6600
NDS.DEFRA@coi.gsi.gov.uk

Martin Deller
Phone: 020 7238 5334
martin.deller@defra.gsi.gov.uk