31/03/11
Environment Minister Richard Benyon MP has launched the Check-Clean-Dry campaign, designed to prevent the spread of invasive species between water bodies.
One such threat is the 'killer shrimp', recorded in the UK for the first time in 2010 after being found in a water company reservoir. The shrimp's voracious appetite means it can have a detrimental impact on native wildlife.
Without robust biosecurity measures in place, the shrimp would be able to move between water bodies on angling tackle and watersports equipment.
Given the popularity of water company reservoirs for leisure and recreation, this incident highlights the continuing need for good relationships with all water users and with the agencies that oversee the protection of native biodiversity.
