Lower Lough Corrib remains under continued threat from destructive alien plant invader

28/10/2010

Following an extensive survey of over 300 sites, the CAISIE project team has been unable to identify the presence of the highly invasive non-native plant, the curly-leaved waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) in the lower basin of Lough Corrib. This is a welcome development as the curly-leaved waterweed is prolific in the upper basin and middle section of the lake, where it represents a serious environmental, social and economic threat. The first confirmed sighting of the weed in Lough Corrib was in Rinnerroon Bay in the northwest of the upper basin in April 2005. Since then, it has expanded its range throughout the upper lake.

The establishment of the weed in the lower basin could result in serious negative ecological impacts to the native plant and animal communities, including wild brown trout and aquatic insects. In addition, angling, boating and other recreational activities may be severely hampered by the rapid growth of the weed and its ability to completely dominate the water column where present. Moreover, an extensive infestation has the potential to restrict water flow through the lower basin and could result in serious flooding within the catchment.

The CAISIE team and staff from IFI Galway are working closely with a range of stakeholders to stop the spread of curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib and to physically kill or remove it from as many locations within the lake as possible. Every effort is being made to ensure that this highly invasive weed does not establish in the lower basin.

The team would like to advise lake users to be aware of the risks posed by this and other invasive species and to also be biosecurity-aware. Information on important biosecurity procedures and on invasive species generally is available on the CAISIE website (www.caisie.ie). All sightings of invasive species should be reported to Inland Fisheries Ireland (www.fisheriesireland.ie).

Media Enquiries:

Suzanne Campion
Head of Business Development
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Anglesea Street,
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.
Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971;
Email: suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Notes to Editor:

The EU Life+ funded project ‘Control of Aquatic Invasive Species and Restoration of Natural Communities in Ireland’ (CAISIE) is co-financed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

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 function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.