Crayfish are under threat in Ireland

Warnings about dangers posed to Irish wildlife by non-native species — most recently highlighted by the reports on the presence of the South American rodent, coypus, in Cork — continue to be realised, writes Donal Hickey.

Fears the white-clawed crayfish, our only native crayfish species, may become victim to a lethal disease introducedfrom abroad have now come to pass. Outbreaks of crayfish plague, a disease that kills white-clawed crayfish, have been reported in the rivers Deel, Co Limerick, and Suir, Co Tipperary.

Attempts are being made to prevent its spread and a temporary ban has been placed on moving water sports and angling gear, such as boats, waders and nets, out of the affected rivers. Equipment currently in use in the catchments may continue to be used there, but should not be moved out.