River users in Northumberland urged to help protect rare crayfish species

People visiting two rivers in Northumberland are being urged to clean and dry clothes, equipment and dogs to help save a species of crayfish.

The Environment Agency is asking river users to "play their part" to help safeguard the future of the rare native white-clawed crayfish in the River Wansbeck.

It comes after increased reports of invasive American signal crayfish in the nearby River Coquet.

Signal crayfish carry a plague disease which is fatal to the native species. Ecology experts are advising river users to take extra care not to transfer the invasive signal crayfish between the two rivers.

Environment Agency Biodiversity Technical Specialist, Scott Mackenzie, said: "At the moment, it is difficult to say how extensive the signal crayfish population is in the River Coquet, but it is essential that we take every step to prevent their spread.

"Anything that has made contact with the water and riverbank needs to be cleaned thoroughly after use with warm water and environmentally friendly detergent. Then fully dried for 48 hours to make sure all parasites are killed.  This will help stop the disease spreading from one watercourse to another.

"The American species of crayfish is bigger, more aggressive and out-competes our native crayfish. Most importantly it also carries a fungal disease known as crayfish plague that has wiped out our native crayfish from most rivers in the south of England."

The River Wansbeck is one of the last native crayfish strongholds in the country.

Scott added:  "The invasive signal crayfish poses a significant risk to the future of the native white-clawed crayfish and we want to do everything in our powers to help safeguard the population that lives in the River Wansbeck.

"The River Coquet is one of a number of North East rivers to have records of signal crayfish. Other rivers nearby include the River Pont and the River Blyth."

The crayfish plague is only harmful to the native white-clawed crayfish and can't be transmitted to humans or other animals.