As Dikerogammarus haemobaphes is widespread it is not feasible to eradicate it in the wider environment. DEFRA and its agencies are attempting to slow the spread of this and other invasive species by promoting better biosecurity among people who visit the water environment through the "Check, Clean, Dry" campaign.

To support this work DEFRA is looking to commission a scientific review of biosecurity and potential control measures for Dikerogammarus haemobaphes.

Dikerogammarus haemobaphes was first recorded in the River Severn in August 2012. Subsequent investigations in England and Wales have found that the shrimp is widespread in the rivers and canals of the midlands from Nottingham to Gloucester and in the River Thames from Lechlade to Staines. It has also been found in the Grand Union Canal near Northampton and the River Witham.

DEFRA has commissioned research into the management of the species to reduce the scale of the population and mitigate their impacts at the local scale. Until effective management tools become available, efforts are mainly focused on limiting the spread of the species to new habitats and on the conservation of native species, such as by the establishment of refuge sites for white clawed crayfish. DEFRA is also working with the Scottish and Welsh Governments to develop an action plan to better co-ordinate efforts to manage non-native crayfish and their impacts. Additionally, DEFRA has launched a campaign called "Check, Clean, Dry" to raise awareness of the risks from aquatic invasive non-native species, such as non-native crayfish, and to promote simple steps that water-users can take to reduce the accidental spread of invasive species through their activities. Currently, however, there are no known methods available to eradicate signal crayfish populations.

The application to register the Colchester Native Oyster as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) was received in 2005. It was then the subject of a consultation in order to allow interested parties the opportunity to object to the application. A number of objections were received during the consultation process.

Officials subsequently met with representatives of the applicant group to discuss the objections and outstanding points relating to the product specification for the application. Following on from this, further information relating to the geographical area and other aspects of the application was sought from the applicant group which, despite reminders from officials, was not forthcoming.

Therefore, it has not been possible to complete our assessment of the validity of the application for PGI status for the Colchester Native Oyster. The scheme is a voluntary one and so it is for the producers to decide whether they wish to pursue the application. Should they wish to do this then officials would be happy to meet with them to discuss the outstanding points which need to be resolved. This should then enable the application to be completed and a decision to be taken on its eligibility.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has statutory responsibilities in relation to the classification and monitoring of shellfish harvesting areas and is the lead body for the Government response to incidents involving the food chain including environmental pollution incidents that may present a food safety risk including sewage, chemical and oil spills.

We are advised by the FSA that when an environmental pollution incident is reported, it will engage with local enforcement authorities to identify any food safety risks. Where such risks exist, they ensure that appropriate action is taken at a local level to protect public health.

In respect of classified harvesting areas affected by environmental pollution, local authorities will issue a Temporary Prohibition Order to prevent further harvesting from that area. Notices will be displayed in the vicinity of the area and harvesters registered with the authority will be notified. Local authorities will also take steps to ensure that contaminated shellfish originating from the area are not placed on the market and that any already on the market are withdrawn. In respect of unclassified areas local authorities may post warning signs to inform recreational/private anglers or harvesters of the pollution incident or the area may be subject to an order made under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985.

Data are set out in the following table on the number of cases of illness associated with shellfish reported in the United Kingdom from 2007 to 2011, excluding sporadic cases. These data are not specific to shellfish from heavily polluted areas as information is not collected at this level of detail.