Environment Agency Update on Quagga mussel in UK

Quagga mussels are a non-native invasive species and are now present in some of our UK waters, particularly around London and the Lee Valley. They originated, like the zebra mussel, from the Ponto-Caspian region around the Black and Caspian seas.

The Quagga mussel can significantly reduce native biodiversity; the Environment Agency provides details on biosecurity, distribution, identification and their quagga mussel sighting and reporting process in a recent update.

To help combat the spread of the quagga mussel (and other non-native invertebrates), the Environment Agency suggests that biosecurity includes immersion of fishing kit in hot water, in addition to the usual Check, Clean, Dry routine.

For a copy of the update information click here