Zebra Mussels are
a non-native invasive species, probably introduced into Cardiff Bay on
a visiting vessel. They reproduce rapidly, and can cause problems if
appropriate care is not taken.
This notification is designed to advise water users on the legal
implications.
It outlines measures to be
taken in order to protect water users, and prevent the spread of the
mussels as much as possible.
*
At all times water users should comply with the Environment
Agency Pollution Prevention Guideline document PPG 14 Marinas and
Craft. PPG’s are available for download from the following sites:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
www.sepa.org.uk
www.ehsni.gov.uk
ADVICE TO WATER USERS
1. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to
release, or allow to escape into the wild, any animal which is not
ordinarily resident in and is not a regular visitor to Great Britain
in a wild state. Zebra mussels are such animals.
2. Boat owners have a
responsibility to prevent the spread of these mussels. See FAQ's below
for advice on how to prevent the spread.
3. Zebra mussels grow rapidly and in large masses, which can lead to
blockages or restrict engine cooling water intakes, resulting in
engines over-heating. They can foul the hull of vessels. Routine
maintenance of vessels will limit this build-up and prevent such
problems occurring.
4. Zebra mussels have very sharp-edged shells. These mussels will grow
on mooring ropes, boat hulls and submerged equipment. Care should be
taken to avoid cuts when handling objects that have been submerged in
the water.
5. Although Zebra mussels are found at other sites in the UK, Cardiff
Bay is the first site to record them in Wales. To minimise the
transfer of this species to other freshwater sites, care should be
taken when transporting vessels. When ashore, the hull should be
inspected and cleared of any attached mussels. Bilge water should be
drained out and the bilges rinsed with dilute bleach solution, allowed
to soak for one hour and drained. (See FAQ’s for further information)
6. All personal watercraft (e.g. canoes and dinghies) that have been
in Cardiff Bay water for any length of time should be washed down
using a sponge and dilute solution of bleach before moving the boat to
any other fresh water. Do not allow bleach solution to enter Cardiff
Bay or other
watercourses.
ZEBRA
MUSSELS IN CARDIFF BAY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q: What is a nuisance invasive species?
A: When a species (plant, animal, fish or microscopic organism), that
is not native to an area, is introduced, with the potential to cause
problems.
Q: How did they get into Cardiff bay?
A: Zebra mussels are a non-native invasive species, probably
introduced into Cardiff Bay on a visiting vessel. They reproduce
rapidly, and can cause problems if appropriate care is not taken.
Q: How do Zebra mussels spread in freshwater
locations?
A: Adult Zebra mussels attached to boat hulls are transported from
location to location. During summer, larvae may be transported in
bilge water and released on exchange of water at the new location.
Adults, and to a lesser extent larvae, can be spread on items of
equipment moved from infected areas into Zebra mussel free areas e.g.
fishing gear, pipes, tanks and moorings etc.
Q: What other locations already have the Zebra
mussels:
A: Zebra mussels are native to the Caspian and Black sea basins. They
moved across Europe with the constructions of the canals during 1700’s
and reached England by 1824. They were introduced to the USA in the
1980’s. Zebra mussels have also been present in Lough Erne, Ireland,
since 1993/4. In 2002 a study recorded their presence in the River
Thames and Lea, and Lake Barden, Kent. They have also been sighted in
Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire.
Q: What is the lifespan of Zebra mussels?
Adults can live for several days to a couple of weeks out of water if
they remain moist. This means they can be easily transported from one
water area to another on boats and equipment transported by road.
Q: Are they edible?
All shellfish layings have to be approved by the relevant Local
Authority in consultation with the Foods Standards Agency. Part of the
approval process involves sampling of the shellfish to ensure they are
fit for human consumption. There are no approved shellfish layings
within Cardiff Bay and therefore members of the public should be
advised that the shellfish in Cardiff Bay are not safe to eat.
Q: Why is it my responsibility as a boat owner
to prevent the spread?
A: It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to
release, or allow to escape into the wild, any animal which is not
ordinarily resident in and is not a regular visitor to Great Britain
in a wild state. Zebra mussels are such animals.
There are environmental concerns associated with Zebra mussels. As
each individual can filter between 1 and 2 litres of water per day,
this removes algae and other aquatic organisms important for the
thriving fish and bird populations in Cardiff Bay. Cardiff Harbour
Authority is implementing a programme to assess implications.
Q: How can I prevent the spread and introduction
of Zebra mussels into other waters?
The following are recommended actions for water users:
1. Keep boats free of Zebra mussels.
2. Regularly bring boats ashore and pressure wash the hull, rinsing
bilges with DILUTE bleach solution.
3. Ensure all weeds are removed from boats and trailers before leaving
Cardiff Bay and travelling to a new location.
4. If possible allow the boat to dry out for at least a week before
launching at any other freshwater site.
5. Ensure the hull is free of Zebra mussels before moving to any other
fresh water.
Q: What actions are recommended for me to comply
with the legislation mentioned above?
Calculate if your vessel has been in Cardiff Bay for a period longer
than 2 – 3 weeks.
a. If the duration of stay in Bay water is less than that time, follow
the instructions above.
b. If the duration of stay in Bay water has been longer than 2 – 3
weeks, follow the instructions below:
For vessels with bilges:
Visit the Harbour Authority bilge pump out facility, pump out and
rinse the bilges with DILUTE bleach solution, standing for an hour and
finally pumping out using the pump out facility. Do not allow bleach
solution to enter Bay water.*
For vessels without bilges:
It should be removed from the Bay, and washed down using a sponge and
DILUTE SOLUTION of bleach before moving the boat to any other fresh
water, therefore avoiding run-off of excess bleach solution into
watercourses.*
Q: What is Cardiff Harbour Authority doing to
prevent the spread of Zebra mussels?
A: Cardiff Harbour Authority is following the guidance set out above
and ensuring that its own activities do not cause the spread of this
species to other water bodies. Furthermore it is also minimising the
impact within Cardiff Bay.
Environmental responsibility is a key part of our strategy, in both
the short and longer term. The Harbour Authority already provides
access to its bilge pump out facility. In addition, a jet washing
facility is available for use as vessels leave the water. Warning
signs have also been erected at boat entry/exit points around the Bay.
*
At all times water users should comply
with the Environment Agency Pollution Prevention Guideline document
PPG 14 Marinas and Craft. PPG’s are available for download from the
following sites:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
www.sepa.org.uk
www.ehsni.gov.uk
Should you require further information please contact Cardiff
Harbour Authority on Tel: (029) 2087 7900.
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