Preventing pest invasions

The cards are part of a good practice code developed by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), to prevent foreign shellfish spreading in the area. In the past, foreign species have been introduced by mistake when juvenile shellfish are imported by the mussel industry. This happened in 2006 when the American slipper limpet, which breed rampantly and can swamp native mussels, arrived in the strait with mussel seed from the English Channel. Other species mussel farmers are being given help in spotting are the violet sea squirt and Chinese mitten crab. Kate Smith, the CCW marine conservation officer, said a survey had suggested work to eradicate non-native species from the strait had been successful. "This is hailed as one of the very few examples of a successful eradication of non-native species in the marine environment in the UK. "But prevention is better - and cheaper - than cure. The Good Practice Code, with its very practical approach, will help mussel farmers spot the signs of invasive marine non-native species and help them avoid accidentally bringing them into one of Europe's most cherished marine sites," she said.