New Biosecurity update for anglers at Grafham is available at https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/non...ent.cfm?id=492

General info on the shrimp can be found at https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/non...index.cfm?id=3

Some extracts from a measure I find inadequate in so many ways.


Interim guidance – avoiding the spread of the invasive shrimp Dikerogammarus villosus on the clothes and equipment of anglers

There is no evidence that anglers have spread the shrimp, but there is a real risk that careless behaviour may do so, harming the environment and potentially damaging the reputation of the sport.

Ideally, all cleaning and inspection operations should be supervised by a volunteer or member of staff.
"Ideally" not mandatory - what happens if a trained (I assume they are going to be trained?) volunteer (FFS! ) can't be found?

Access and egress for anglers should be limited, preferably to a single point at the site. Anglers should log in and out, confirming that they have cleaned and inspected their equipment. If they don't log in they won't have to log out - saves time when rushing to another fishery to fish a late evening rise after Grafham's rather earlier closing.

Risk can be reduced by reducing the contact time in which equipment is exposed to the water. Areas around hard substrates, such as concrete are particularly likely to support abundant shrimp populations. Bless! Isn't 'Total Trout Monger' or watever and other such magazines advocating kicking up weed off natural banks, to "groundbait" the area, already ensured the irresponsible masses know what to do?

If possible, nets and drogues should be provided at the site and used in preference to personal angling equipment. Only "if possible" no compulsion then?



Disinfecting equipment: interim advice If facilities allow, (only if facilities allow? ) equipment can be hosed down or pressure-washed to remove shrimps. The washings should be contained and not allowed to enter any watercourse or drainage system currently free from Dikerogammarus villosus.

The current best method for preventing spread is to thoroughly dry clothing and equipment. The shrimp can survive up to 5 days in damp conditions, so the drying process must be thorough. An argument for quarantine surely?
Particular attention must be paid to the seams and seals of boots and waders.
We are working to fully ascertain how effective disinfectants are and how they can be best used for biosecurity purposes.
While we are currently uncertain about the effectiveness of dipping equipment in disinfectants to kill the shrimp, it is, in any case, good practice for biosecurity.
Good practice for bacteria and viruses however Vikron, and other disenfectants do not work in the 2% concentrations used.
All disinfectants must be used and disposed of following the manufacturer’s instructions particularly those regarding Health and Safety.

My comments are those in Indigo script. At least we now have a name to e-mail our thoughts too.

December 2010
For further information please contact Trevor Renals, Conservation & Ecology Technical Services. trevor.renals@environment-agency.gov.uk

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Say 'NO' to canoe access on the river Usk and upper Wye.

Above comes from the official government paper so a rectification should be in order.

Johan

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Johan Janssens

Anybody seen them elsewhere yet ?

Best wishes

Steve p

Thankfully that's a no... Sounds almost as if some are wishing them to spread?

If that was a jibe - it didn't work .

Some of us were brought up in scientific environments !

Best wishes

Steve

No problem, I enjoyed your article in the current June 2011 issue of Total Flyfisher, at first I couldn't find it and worried you had been dropped as you were no longer to be found on the back page. 'Parting shot' therefore a missnomer - I do assume the inward move and resulting doubling of page space must be a promotion?

Good luck.