Post by Hoppy on Jan 18, 2006 21:43:51 GMT -1
SIGNAL CRAYFISH
Written By: Patrick Arnold
On Date: 18/1/2006
FOR THE FIRST TIME SIGNAL CRAYFISH HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN CUMBRIA 18th October 2005 SIGNAL CRAYFISH found in the Derwent Catchment has been confirmed by Fishery Staff from the Environment Agency and F.R.B. (Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity). Over 30 non-native Signal Crayfish have been recovered so far from St. John’s Beck and the population occupies at least 600 m. of the beck which is an important Salmon spawning area. This is the first time that Signal Crayfish have been recorded in Cumbria and anyone who thinks they may have seen one of these Crayfish in any of the tributaries of the river Derwent - or any Water - is urged to contact the Environment Agency immediately, telephone no. 0800 807 060.
Cumbrian rivers and becks, especially the river Kent, support some of the last remaining populations of the native White-clawed Crayfish. Crayfish plague (caused by the fungus Aphanomyces astaci ) has caused drastic losses of native Crayfish in rivers in England. It is believed that this disease was introduced and is spread by the most frequently farmed species, the Signal Crayfish, a carrier of the disease.
Crayfish plague is spread by spores that are specific to Crayfish but can be transferred between rivers not only by Crayfish but also by fish, water, mud or equipment that has been in water where Signal Crayfish are present.
Preventing the spread of Crayfish plague - as the spores remain viable only when damp, complete drying of equipment that has been in contact with water or sediments is an effective way of killing them. Spores can also be killed by Iodine-based (Iodophors) disinfectants.
To protect our native Crayfish it is essential that anglers are vigilant and take every precaution possible.
Written By: Patrick Arnold
On Date: 18/1/2006
FOR THE FIRST TIME SIGNAL CRAYFISH HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN CUMBRIA 18th October 2005 SIGNAL CRAYFISH found in the Derwent Catchment has been confirmed by Fishery Staff from the Environment Agency and F.R.B. (Fisheries, Recreation and Biodiversity). Over 30 non-native Signal Crayfish have been recovered so far from St. John’s Beck and the population occupies at least 600 m. of the beck which is an important Salmon spawning area. This is the first time that Signal Crayfish have been recorded in Cumbria and anyone who thinks they may have seen one of these Crayfish in any of the tributaries of the river Derwent - or any Water - is urged to contact the Environment Agency immediately, telephone no. 0800 807 060.
Cumbrian rivers and becks, especially the river Kent, support some of the last remaining populations of the native White-clawed Crayfish. Crayfish plague (caused by the fungus Aphanomyces astaci ) has caused drastic losses of native Crayfish in rivers in England. It is believed that this disease was introduced and is spread by the most frequently farmed species, the Signal Crayfish, a carrier of the disease.
Crayfish plague is spread by spores that are specific to Crayfish but can be transferred between rivers not only by Crayfish but also by fish, water, mud or equipment that has been in water where Signal Crayfish are present.
Preventing the spread of Crayfish plague - as the spores remain viable only when damp, complete drying of equipment that has been in contact with water or sediments is an effective way of killing them. Spores can also be killed by Iodine-based (Iodophors) disinfectants.
To protect our native Crayfish it is essential that anglers are vigilant and take every precaution possible.
