|
Joint Statement on Crayfish by the River Tweed Commissioners and the Tweed Foundation.
The Tweed Foundation has positively confirmed the existence of free-living American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in the Upper Ettrick Water. Under The Prohibition of Keeping or Release of Live Fish (Specified Species) (Scotland) Order 2003 signal crayfish are specified as non-native fish (including crustaceans) and it is an offence to either keep or release them except under licence. The reason for this is that signal crayfish cause extreme damage to the natural ecology of rivers by harming species which are indigenous to the river either by the spread of disease, destruction of bankside habitat or depletion of natural food reserves.
At the moment it is unknown how long this pest has been in the Upper Ettrick Water or what the extent of its distribution is. It is particularly unfortunate that the Ettrick Water has been infested as this river is the spawning and juvenile ground for many of Tweed’s spring salmon and in which so much public and private funding has been invested to enhance and restore its natural riparian habitat. Atlantic salmon are a designated species of Tweed’s status as a candidate Special Area of Conservation.
It is absolutely essential that this pest is, at very least, contained and if possible eradicated. Signal crayfish bring no benefits to the river and will certainly do great harm to the natural ecosystem of the Ettrick if this is not achieved. The River Tweed Commissioners and the Tweed Foundation are working closely with SEERAD, SNH and SEPA to determine ways of achieving this.
Anyone who finds or knows of any Signal crayfish in the Tweed catchment should immediately contact any of the above bodies.
Download the Crayfish “Not Wanted” Poster 35kb
|
