An invasive non-native species of mussel that can harm wildlife and cause water pipe blockages has been discovered by environmental experts in the River Trent.
People in Gedling borough using the river are now being urged to follow ‘check, clean, dry’ procedures to try to prevent the spread of quagga mussels.
The Environment Agency has increased its monitoring to establish the extent of the problem and is working with the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat to agree an appropriate bio-security response.
The Agency said that while quagga mussels do not pose any immediate direct threat to water quality, animals or people, they do spread rapidly and can block pipes and water based assets resulting in significant future maintenance costs.
Quagga mussels were first recorded in the UK in 2014 and have previously been found in the Thames catchment. It is not known how they arrived in the Trent.
Geoff Craig, area environment manager for the Environment Agency, said: “Unfortunately, further spread of the quagga mussels is highly likely, but we can slow down the spread.
“We urge all water users in the affected areas to follow the required biosecurity procedures of ‘check, clean, dry’ whenever working or engaging in leisure activities in or near the water.
Find out more about Check, Clean, Dry.
