BBC News | ENGLAND | Crayfish numbers fall

British crayfish in part of the river Thames are under threat from an "aggressive" American species.

The number of white-clawed crayfish in the upper Thames has fallen due to competition for food and shelter from the larger signal crayfish.

The native crustacean is also highly susceptible to a disease carried by the American animal.

A leaflet has been produced by the Cotswold Water Park Society to raise awareness of its plight.

This is an excellent opportunity for anglers and conservationists to work together

Dr Simon Pickering
The Native Crayfish Campaign booklet gives advice on how the public, and fishermen in particular, can help to conserve the species.

Anglers who fish at the park's 40 lakes are being urged to disinfect their fishing tackle to prevent the spread of "crayfish plague".

Assistant biodiversity officer at the Gloucestershire water park, Jo Sayers, said: "This not only stops the spread of crayfish plague but is also good practice to stop the spread of fish diseases."

Conservation of the white-clawed crayfish is part of a UK biodiversity action plan. In some areas of Britain, entire populations have been lost.

The park's biodiversity and conservation officer, Dr Simon Pickering, said the Cotswold initiative could have a positive effect on the white-clawed crayfish population.

"The water park still supports native crayfish and this is an excellent opportunity for anglers and conservationists to work together."


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