Could all members of the Syndicate please be on the lookout for the worryingly named Killer Shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus) when they next visit the Little Avon, or indeed any water that they fish
killer_shrimp_97465_7
Some of you may already be aware of the presence of this invasive in the UK as its discovery has recieved a small amount of press coverage already.

At the moment it would appear that this Invasive species has just populated Grafham reservior and will be of little immediate concern to anglers elsewhere, but given the ease with which a Shrimp can spread through any waters i think it is in the best interests of us all to be on the lookout and report any sightings.

The attached Documents give information concerning Identification so as not to confuse this invasive with our native Gammarus Shrimp, the Killer Shrimp can grow to become 30mm in length and is a voracious feeder even attacking small fish.

Can all anglers that fish other waters and then fish the Little Avon please ensure that their tackle is disinfected, or better still has been given time to dry thoroughly in bright sunlight.

This will also reduce the possibility of other invasives such as Signal crayfish etc from populating our river.

 

Links

GB non-native species secretariat, NNSS: Species Alerts
Environment Agency:  Killer shrimp found in UK for the first time, Sept 2010

Photo credit: Live Science / Jamie Dick and Dirk Platvoet