Water users warned of threat to Killer Shrimp

Water users are being asked to clean and disinfect boats and equipment before and after use following the recent discovery of the Killer Shrimp at a reservoir in England.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is asking all water users to exercise caution when moving boats and equipment between water bodies.

The Killer Shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus), which originates from the Ponto-Caspian region of Eastern Europe, has spread across much of Western Europe through a series of connected waterways. The recent arrival of this species in Britain has however increased the risk for it to spread to the island of Ireland. Experts in Northern Ireland are now on high alert.

The so called Killer Shrimp got its name due to its aggressive behaviour and voracious appetite. It is considerably larger and far more aggressive than our native shrimp species. If it arrives in Northern Ireland, it could threaten a wide diversity of native aquatic insect species. It has caused significant impacts to biodiversity in the areas it has invaded in Europe and is considered a high risk species.

The Government-led Invasive Species in Ireland Steering Group has warned that the Killer Shrimp can dominate the habitat it invades resulting in the extinction of native species.

NIEA is calling on all anglers and boat owners travelling to and from Britain to take extra precautions to prevent this invasive species from arriving in Northern Ireland.

John Early, from NIEA, said: “We want water users to enjoy our lakes and rivers. It is important, however, for organisations and individuals to act to protect these waterways. We are asking water users to be vigilant and protect our lakes and rivers from new introductions. The recent arrival of the Killer Shrimp in Britain has highlighted the need for water users to clean equipment and boats before moving to another water body.”

He also warned: “Other invasive aquatic species, such as invasive plants and zebra mussels, can also spread through the movement of uncleaned boats and equipment.”

Invasive Species Ireland has advised that all water should be drained from boats, equipment and kit before leaving any water body. They also advise that boats and equipment should be disinfected between each use. This will help to keep the Killer Shrimp and other aquatic invasive species out of Ireland.

John Kelly, from Invasive Species Ireland, added: “The potential impact the Killer Shrimp could have in Ireland is very high. If this species arrived in one of our major water bodies, such as the Erne waterway, it could spread very rapidly. Preventing the arrival of this species is a priority.”

Further information on invasive species can be found here

Notes to editors:

1. Invasive Alien Species are organisms from abroad which establish themselves in local habitats where they can damage native species by out-competing with them for food, predating on them, altering their habitat or by introducing disease.
2. Commonly invasive alien species have no natural predators to control their numbers. The native species are often unable to compete and quickly the invasive species takes over.
3. Invasive species can alter ecological relationships among native species. They can affect the whole ecosystem function, economic value of ecosystems and human health.
4. Whilst the majority of introduced species pose neither economic nor ecological problems, a few species become invasive and damaging to their new habitat.
5. Invasive species can be spread in many ways. Introductions can be either accidental or intentional. Many invasive plant species have been spread through deliberate introductions as the species was perceived to have a value in agriculture or ornamental gardening. However, many have also been unintentional introductions, either through planting of impure seed mixes that contain the invasive species, or by hitching a ride on a vehicle or in cargo.
6. The first record of the Killer Shrimp in England was on 3 September 2010 at Grafham Water reservoir, near Huntingdon, in Cambridgeshire.
7. The Invasive Species in Ireland Steering Group consists of representatives of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the National Botanical Gardens, Queens University Belfast, National Biodiversity Data Centre, GB Non-native Species Programme Board, EnviroCentre, Department of Environment (NI) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
8. Media enquiries should be directed to the DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.