Anglers warned as 'killer shrimp' seen in UK

Notorious "killer shrimp" which threaten local wildlife were spotted for the first time in British waters, the Environment Agency warned yesterday.

Conservationists expressed “extreme concern” as it emerged dikerogammarus villosus were discovered by anglers at Grafham Water reservoir in Cambridgeshire.

Insects such as damselflies and water boatmen, common sights on British lakes and rivers, could be at risk, with knock-on effects on the species which feed on them, conservationists said.

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The shrimp, which has spread rapidly through western Europe in recent years, pose no risk to drinking water supplies, but anglers using the reservoir were being urged to make sure they do not transfer the species to other lakes.

Richard Benyon, the Defra Minister in charge of the natural environment, said: “I am extremely concerned to hear that this highly invasive species has been found in Britain.

Anglian Water has acted quickly to put biosecurity measures in place and the Environment Agency is working hard to establish the extent of the problem and what action may need to be taken.

“We need to do everything we can to protect our native wildlife and young fish from the potential damage the killer shrimp can cause.”

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Paul Leinster, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “We are devastated that this shrimp has been found in Britain, and very grateful to the keen-eyed anglers who found it.

“We are currently establishing the degree of the problem, and whether the shrimp is only in Grafham Water or if it is in nearby lakes and the Great Ouse as well.”

The shrimps were confirmed as likely to be the killer species after samples were sent to the Environment Agency for identification last week. An expert in Holland has conclusively identified the species, which is a voracious predator, killing a range of native species, including freshwater invertebrates and even young fish.

The shrimp, which kills its prey and leaves it uneaten, tends to dominate habitats, sometimes causing the extinction of native species, experts said.

Biologists are testing water to see how widespread the problem might be.