GYRODACTYLUS SALARIS

A salmon parasite known as Gyrodactylus salaris (Gs) is present in the rivers of some European countries, especially Norway, and it is of great importance that it is not brought into the UK.  If it did get into our rivers the consequences would be disastrous to canoeing and many of our rural industries.  Whilst live fish imports present the greatest risk of importing the parasite, recreational users of water, such as canoeists, sailors, windsurfers and anglers have the potential to bring the parasite into the country if they do not follow some simple precautions.

The environment pages elsewhere on CanoeScotland carry detailed advice for paddlers travelling abroad.  As well as the Scottish Canoe Association's own advice there are links to further advice (in English) from the Norwegian Canoe Association.  This is a very serious issue that all recreational users of water should be familiar with. Please help to keep this disease out of the UK and do what you can to help raise awareness of the dangers.

SIGNAL CRAYFISH

A fresh water inhabitant, the Signal Crayfish is a North American species that was imported into England in the mid-1970s.  It has now established thriving populations in numerous river systems in Southern Britain and is now found in several streams in Scotland.  Studies have demonstrated that it can have very harmful effects on our native flora and fauna, including its liking for fish eggs.  The distribution of Signal Crayfish in Scotland is believed to be restricted to a few streams in the south west, although isolated speciemens have been reported further north.  If you observe Signal Crayfish in Scottish waters, or see evidence of them such as body parts, you should report the sighting to the Freshwater Research Services Laboratory at Pitlochry.  Further details can be found on their website.

FRESH WATER PEARL MUSSELS

River users are being asked by the Scottish Wildlife Crime Unit to report to local police anything which might be considered suspicious, surrounding possible damage to the Fresh Water Pearl Mussel.  Regrettably, illegal fishing of this valuable creature is still being practised.  Any help we can give in reporting any such incidents ~ people walking in the water without fishing rods; using glass bottomed buckets; large quantities of opened shells, etc. would be very valuable in ensuring the continued existence of the Fresh Water Mussel which world-wide, now survives in only a few Scottish rivers.  Because their life cycle depends upon their eggs being carried for a time in the gills of Salmon, Fresh Water Pearl Mussels only survive in salmon rivers.  The Spey is a key river in terms of FWPM stocks.  Please help protect them.  For further details of the FWPM and its protection, log on towww.nwcu.police.uk