Oyster drill
Ceratostoma inornatum and Urosalpinx cinerea
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Photo credit: ©Marco Faasse
Habitat:
Description:
Origin and Distribution:
Impacts:
How might it get here?
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
Prevent Spread:
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App. For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk
Habitat:
- Found on the lower shore and sublittoral to a depth of about 12 m, feeding especially on oysters.
Description:
- Ceratostoma inornatum (Asian oyster drill) has a narrow and elongated physiology. It is around 2.5cm (1 inch). The radula is the band of teeth that acts as a "drill" to penetrate the shells of oysters.
- Urosalpinx cinerea (American oyster drill) has a grey or yellowy straight shell, up to 2.5cm (1 inch) long. There may be some brown banding present. It uses its radula and chemicals from a boring organ to break into oysters.
Origin and Distribution:
- The Asian oyster drill is native to Japan and the Republic of Korea. It is now known from France and has also spread to North America.
- The American oyster drill is native to the east coast of the USA. It is now present on the south coast of England.
Impacts:
- Urosalpinx cinerea and Ceratostoma inornatum predate on native and commercial oyster beds. They feed by boring through oyster shells.
- These species can cause a 25% reduction in oyster farm production.
How might it get here?
- Contamination of aquaculture seed stock and equipment.
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
- It is not present in Northern Ireland.
Prevent Spread:
- Promotion of native species and biodiversity.
- Ensure compliance with the ICES Code of Practice on the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms 2005.
- Inspect – remove – dispose – Report.
- Audit your activities.
- Ensure biofouling control on aquaculture equipment.
- Prevent fouling of vessels and mooring lines.
- Always remove fouling prior to long distance journeys.
- Remove unused equipment and stock.
- Report all sightings.
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App. For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk