MEMBERS of the public are urged to report any sightings of Signal Crayfish, after the invasive species, which carries plague, was spotted near the Bridgewater Canal at Stockton Heath, Warrington, last week.
Any sightings should immediately be reported to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour hotline: 0800 807060.
Signal crayfish are an invasive species in the UK. They are larger than the native, white-clawed crayfish and can be identified by their reddish-brown colour and the distinctive pale blue-white “signal” spot on the claw joint.
These crayfish carry the crayfish plague, a disease lethal to native, white-clawed crayfish. They also prey on native species, compete for food and habitat, and can significantly impact local fish stocks.
If you spot invasive crayfish, do not touch or remove them. Instead, take clear photos if possible, record the exact location, and report the sighting immediately to the Environment Agency.
It is also illegal to handle or remove crayfish without the appropriate licence.
Crayfish plague, which is normally spread by invasive American signal crayfish, is deadly for the native species and can quickly wipe out populations.
It was first discovered in late 2020 upstream of Aysgarth Falls in the Yorkshire Dales, and the Environment Agency has since been monitoring the spread.
The sighting on the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal at Stockton Heath last week created huge interest on social media – see below.
