THE Environment Agency is warning water users to check, clean and dry their clothes and equipment after a Demon Shrimp was found in a Lancashire river for the first time.
Demon Shrimp are an invasive non-native species of shrimp (Dikerogammarus haemobaphes), so called because of their larger size and aggressive behaviour than native shrimp.
They attack and eat our native shrimps and insects, disrupting the food chain and change the dynamic of our rivers and lakes.
The demon shrimp was found in the River Douglas at Parbold Bridge, Lancashire - upstream of the Leeds Liverpool Canal which is believed to be where the species originated from.
Kim Owen from the Environment Agency said: “Invasive shrimps such as this species present a major threat to the ecology of our rivers and lakes and we have a real battle on our hands to control their spread.
“The likelihood is that this species will now be widespread with any links to the Leeds Liverpool canal and beyond through the canal network.
“The Environment Agency are urging everyone who uses England’s waterways to help by adopting and following the ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ approach with any fishing or boating equipment.”
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