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