Non-Native Species Awareness – Japanese Oyster Drill
Following a sighting of an empty egg case suspected to belong to the non-native marine Japanese Oyster Drill, Ocinebrellus inornatus, fishing industry members are being asked to be vigilant and to report any sightings.
The egg case was sighted on a beach in East Sussex in January 2024 and Cefas have investigated the sighting and carried out a survey in the local environment. No further evidence of the species was found. Their conclusion is that there is no evidence that a population of Japanese oyster drill is yet present in Great Britain.
However, this species is established in northern Europe (France, Portugal, The Netherlands, and Denmark) and has the potential to be introduced with aquaculture stock to the UK. If it is introduced here, it could become a pest of aquaculture as it has in other countries.
Cefas are asking the industry to remain vigilant for this species. Please apply all biosecurity measures rigorously. Pay close attention to imported stock and check for signs of contamination with non-native species (including larvae and juveniles).
For more information on how to identify and advise on what to do please see the information guides below:
Japanese Oyster Drill Information Sheet
If you spot something, you think is Japanese Oyster Drill, please photograph, report immediately to alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk and retain the specimen. If safe to do so, it is suggested to place the specimen in a sealed bag or container and freezing as soon as possible. Further advice regarding the specimen will be provided in response to your report.
If you have any questions, please contact Cefas (NNS@cefas.gov.uk).