Investigation work is planned
following reports of a potentially devastating invasive species being
discovered for the first time in the River Nith.
Scottish Natural Heritage is
to carry out surveys to see if North American signal crayfish are established
in the south of Scotland river.
The crayfish were first found
in Scottish waters in 1995.
Escapes from fish farms or
illegal releases are thought to be the reason for their spread through the UK.
The waters of Loch Ken in
Dumfries and Galloway are already infested with the species.
Reports have now been received
of a discovery on the River Nith in the region.
They can have a hugely
damaging impact on angling waters and are difficult to eradicate once
established.
Dr Colin Bean, a freshwater
adviser with SNH, said the latest incident would be examined closely.
"The prospects of
removing signal crayfish from any water body - particularly one the size of the
Nith - is likely to be difficult if not impossible," he said.
"So it is important for
us to know what is actually there before any moves are made to try and develop
any containment."
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