Press Release

Crayfish Plague - Emergency Containment Measures

 Crayfish Plague – Emergency Containment Measures

In response to a recent outbreak of Crayfish Plague in the River Suir and River Deel, emergency disease containment measures are needed to help prevent its spread.

Crayfish Plague is a disease that kills our native White-clawed Crayfish.  All crayfish that become infected will die. Crayfish Plague is easily transmitted in water or via contaminated equipment (for example on canoes, waders or nets).

Ireland holds the largest population of the White-clawed Crayfish that remains in Europe.

Help Protect our Native Crayfish from this Disease

All water users are asked to operate a temporary ban on moving water sports and angling equipment out of the River Suir and River Deel catchments - commencing immediately.

Water sports and angling equipment currently in use in the Suir and Deel catchments may continue to be used there; but boats or angling equipment should not be transferred out of the catchment.

Limit your activity to the river section where you normally operate, avoid moving around the catchment and follow biosecurity protocols – Inspect, Remove, Clean, Dispose, Notify.

Information for Anglers: http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/invasive-species-1/358-invasive-species-biosecurity-guidelines-for-anglers-leaflet-1/file

Information for Boaters: http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/invasive-species-1/360-invasive-species-biosecurity-guidelines-for-boaters-leaflet-1

Information for Paddle sports enthusiasts: http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/invasive-species-1/438-invasive-species-disinfection-guidelines-for-paddle-sports/file

Information for Scuba divers: http://www.fisheriesireland.ie/invasive-species-1/247-invasive-species-biosecurity-guidelines-for-scuba-diving-1/file

Source: Inter Agency response from National Parks and Wildlife Service, Inland Fisheries Ireland, Environmental Protection Agency, Tipperary County Council, Tipperary Sports Partnership, Waterford City and County Council, Marine Institute, Local Authority Water and Communities Office, Waterways Ireland and National Biodiversity Data Centre.