Watch out for aliens in the Fens

No, not half the population of Littleport...

Anglers fishing the Great Ouse and other Fenland rivers and drains are being urged to report sightings of two invasive alien species.

The red signal crayfish and chinese mitten crab have both colonised the area and both are a threat to native species.

The crayfish kill the native white-clawed crayfish, while the crabs burrow into banks and eat fish.

Both species will also pick up deadbaits, which accounts for twitchy missed takes where the bait is decapitated or has its guts neatly scooped out.

Anyone spotting one of these delightful creatures is asked to call Dan Horsley, at the Environment Agency, on 07917 173067, or e-mail dan.horsley@environment-agency.gov.uk