‘CHECK, CLEAN, DRY’

Boat owners using the Al River and River Shannon are being urged to take precautions to help limit an outbreak of Crayfish Plague in Ireland.

Waterways Ireland wants sailors to carry out biosecurity measures after using the two rivers, including checking all wet gear for any silt or mud, plant material or animals.

Gear should be thoroughly cleaned using disinfectant or hot water over 40°C and finally dried for 48 hours, wherever possible.

The fungal disease, which is fatal for native crayfish, has been found in a number of dead crustaceans in the River Al.