First record of the Ponto-Caspian amphipod Chelicorophium robustum (GO Sars, 1895) in Great Britain with notes on the method of collection

The invasive non-native Ponto-Caspian amphipod Chelicorophium robustum has been recorded for the first time in Great Britain. In October 2021 a single specimen was found at a site on the River Thames near Hampton, London during a programme of surveys undertaken on behalf of Thames Water Utilities Ltd. The programme employed a novel method of multi-habitat survey devised to target the collection and identification of aquatic non-native species from a range of water body types. Surveys were conducted in accordance with a strict biosecurity protocol. Non-native taxa found alongside C. robustum included other Ponto-Caspian crustaceans, bivalve molluscs and a polychaete worm plus additional invasive macroinvertebrates from Asia, North America and New Zealand.

Automated summary

The invasive non-native amphipod Chelicorophium robustum has been found for the first time in Great Britain, specifically in a location near Hampton, London along the River Thames. The discovery was made during a survey conducted by Thames Water Utilities Ltd, using a novel multi-habitat survey method designed to identify aquatic non-native species. The surveys followed strict biosecurity protocols and revealed the presence of other Ponto-Caspian crustaceans, bivalve molluscs, a polychaete worm, as well as invasive macroinvertebrates from Asia, North America, and New Zealand.