PROTECT OUR
WHITE-CLAWED CRAYFISH
PROTECT OUR WHITE-CLAWED CRAYFISH
Vobster Quay is proud to be recognised as an 'ark' site for the native white-clawed crayfish. Introduced into the lake in 2009 by researchers at the Bristol Zoological Society, Vobster is playing a key role in protecting this endangered species.
It's important that we protect our special waters from the threat of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS). By being aware of INNS and by implementing some basics procedures before heading to the waters of Vobster Quay, you can do your part to protect Vobster's colony of white-clawed crayfish.
Animals and plants that have been introduced by human actions to parts of the world outside their natural range are known as non-native species. Most do not cause any problems in the UK. Here at Vobster, for example, you'll find one example of an invasive non-native species - zebra mussels.
Whilst the zebra mussels pose no threat to our crayfish, visitors should still rinse and dry their kit after visiting Vobster to avoid potentially spreading the zebra (or their larvae) to other freshwater sites.
A small proportion, however - known as invasive non-native species - can cause serious and permanent problems by harming ecosystems. They can be bigger, faster growing or more aggressive than native species, and may also have fewer natural predators to control their numbers. Native species are often unable to compete.
RECENTLY VISITED ANOTHER
FRESHWATER SITE?
If you have recently visited other freshwater sites before coming to Vobster, please ensure you thoroughly
RINSE & DRY ALL EQUIPMENT before your visit. You could inadvertently be carrying crayfish plague (or even tiny invasive crayfish juveniles) into Vobster. If the Vobster crayfish get infected, the entire population is likely to die out within weeks!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Unsure what a INNS make look like? Check out this handy identification guide produced by Cheshire Wildlife Trust.