Alien invasions: How non-native crayfish have clawed their way into our waterways?
March 05, 2021
Event: Thursday, 27 May 2021 12:30–13:15
On Thursday, 27 May 2021, RSK Biocensus Aquatic Ecology Lead Dr Pete Walker will deliver a First Thursday Club webinar on crayfish, to coincide with the GB non-native species secretariat’s (NNSS) Invasive Species Week. The NNSS is a UK Government body that helps to coordinate the national approach to invasive non-native species in Great Britain.
The annual Invasive Species Week informs the public about, and raises awareness of, invasive species in Great Britain and advises on how everyone can help to prevent their spread. The next event will start on Monday, 24 May 2021. “Throughout the week, lots of events and activities will be taking place that people can take part in online or socially distanced,” announces the official guide.
The RSK Biocensus-led webinar will take place during Invasive Species Week. Pete will introduce the different species of crayfish found within the UK and will outline the general risks posed by non-native crayfish. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to talk more about these intriguing creatures and their effects on our aquatic environments and native species. The First Thursday Club webinars offer a terrific first-hand opportunity to understand meaningful issues and to get direct and informed information,” Pete says. He will also discuss the importance of biosecurity in reducing the impacts of invasive non-native crayfish.
Pete has been an ecological consultant specialising in aquatic ecology for about 13 years. Before joining RSK, Pete held research positions at leading academic institutions in the UK and abroad. He was a registered expert for the DAISIE – inventory of alien invasive species in Europe data set and worked as assistant editor for Crustaceana, a peer-reviewed scientific journal focused on crustacean research. Pete has presented at multiple conferences and has published several articles and peer-reviewed papers on the topic of aquatic crustaceans, including invasive non-native species and crayfish.