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Press Release 26th August 2010

One of the world’s most notorious freshwater invasive species, the Asian clam, has expanded its hold in Ireland’s rivers.  Discovered in the River Barrow in April this year, Dr Brian Hayden of Queen’s University Belfast identified an Asian clam shell below the main bridge in Carrick-on-Shannon. A subsequent survey by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) scientists revealed the presence of live clams in this section of the River Shannon.

The Asian clam, which causes an estimated €1 billion of damages in US annually, has the capacity to outcompete all of our native invertebrates, to impact on our native fishes and to significantly alter river habitats. The accumulation of vast quantities of shell material on the river bed, up to 10,000 per square metre, can lead to shallowing, with resultant implications for flood control. The invasive success of the clam relies on its rapid growth, high fecundity and efficient dispersal capacity. The location of the most recent discovery on the upper Shannon is a serious cause for concern because of the ease with which the clam will be able to disperse in a downstream direction. The Asian calm can be easily spread by man, wildfowl and river currents.

At the Carrick site the majority of the Asian clam specimens recorded were juveniles, probably less than 1 year old. This would suggest that the infestation was very new and might provide an opportunity for rapid and decisive management action to eradicate, control or contain these invaders in this upper section of the River Shannon.

According to Dr Joe Caffrey, Senior Research Officer with Inland Fisheries Ireland,   “This is a very serious development and could have considerable implications for the natural ecology and functioning of the River Shannon. This clam can effectively eliminate large components of our native aquatic fauna and flora, will block intake pipes and could interfere with recreational exploitation in infested rivers. We must stop it spreading further within the Shannon and accessing many of the connected watercourses on this great river system. I urge all water users and relevant stakeholders to be vigilant and to report any sighting of Asian clam shells to Inland Fisheries Ireland, who will urgently investigate the report.”

Media Enquires

Linda McKenny
Inland Fisheries Ireland,
Swords Business Campus,
Swords, Co. Dublin.

Tel: 01 8842639 Mob: 087 3294440
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Notes to Editor

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1st July 2010. Its principal functions are to advise the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on policy relating to the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries and sea angling.