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RYA KNOWLEDGE | CHECK, CLEAN, DRY.

30/10/2018
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Seeking new waters to explore? Don’t bring back more than you bargained for! The RYA explain the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ initiative to help stop the spread of invasive species and diseases.

Unwanted non-native plants and animals are invading our waterways and pose a serious threat to our lakes, rivers, streams and coastline. Once in a waterway these invasive species can disperse rapidly, adversely affecting recreational facilities, reducing fish populations and restricting navigation. So if you’re off in search of new waters to explore, always remember to ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ to make sure you don’t bring back any hitchhikers!

Words & Photos RYA



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INVASIVE
Invasive non-native species can block up waterways, make navigation difficult, and cause irreparable damage to the environment – and as a water user you may unknowingly be spreading them from one waterbody to another. Animals, eggs, larvae and tiny plant fragments can easily be carried on boards, equipment, shoes and clothing, and some can survive out of water in damp conditions for over two weeks.

‘The Green Blue’, the RYA and British Marine’s joint environmental campaign, has developed a series of guidance videos on how to ‘Check, Clean, Dry’. This includes specific windsurf, dinghy, powerboat and personal watercraft guidance, as well as a general introduction video to invasive species – what they are, why they are a threat and what boaters can do to help prevent them from spreading or being introduced into UK waters. You can check out the windsurf guidance at – www.youtube.com/watch?v=oijFB7pWIkQ.

There are currently about 140 aquatic non-native species in Britain; many species thrive in both salt and fresh water. Once established in a new waterbody, invasive species can become unmanageable. You can help to stop the spread by remembering to always ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ your clothing and equipment when you leave the water. Invasive non-native invertebrates such as the killer shrimp, zebra mussels and signal crayfish can also have a harmful effect on our freshwater environment. These organisms can reproduce rapidly, compete with or eat our native species and spread diseases and parasites. Some freshwater pests are microscopic and can be spread by a single drop of water. Even if you can’t see the danger, you could be spreading it. To stop the spread of invasive species you must ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ your clothing and equipment when you are moving from one waterway to another, anywhere in the UK.


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WINDSURF RESPONSIBLY
Windsurfing provides the perfect vehicle for exploring wilderness areas by water, quietly observing wildlife in their natural habitats and allowing you to explore beautiful waterbodies without disturbing the environment. To ensure that you windsurf responsibly and do not disturb wildlife or damage freshwater and marine environments, you should find out about an area before you go and take note of its sensitive areas, protected areas, wildlife species and their breeding seasons.

The RYA is seeking to reduce the risk of introduction of new invasive species and diseases by raising awareness especially amongst overseas travellers of the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ campaign.

Check your equipment, clothing and footwear.
Clean everything thoroughly before you return.
Dry everything as some species can live for over two weeks in damp conditions.

Drying will kill all freshwater pests, but even slightly damp items can harbour killer shrimp and other microscopic pests for several weeks. To ensure pests are dead by drying, the items must be completely dry to the touch, inside and out.


BIOSECURITY
‘The Green Blue’ will be developing a video guide for marina operators on the benefits of having a ‘Biosecurity Plan’ in place and what to consider when developing one with support from the government’s ‘RAPID LIFE’ project – www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=139

‘RAPID LIFE’ is a three year project piloting innovative approaches to invasive species management in freshwater aquatic, riparian and coastal environments. It’s led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in partnership with Natural England and Bristol Zoological Society.

Campaign Manager for ‘The Green Blue’, Kate Fortnam, explains: “It’s important that all recreational water users demonstrate that they’re doing all they can to reduce the spread of invasive species in order to help protect the environment. It’s in everyone’s interest to protect the natural environment that supports our recreational boating and watersports activity, that’s why it’s so important to wash all your equipment after use so as to minimise the spread of alien species or diseases.”

For more information, visit www.thegreenblue.org.uk, as well as www.rya.org.uk/go/alienspecies to find out more about how to ‘Stop the Spread.’ To report a suspected find of freshwater pests or invasive species, email a photo to [email protected]. Follow the campaign on Twitter @CheckCleanDryGB and @TheGreenBlue

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