CAISIE
Control of Aquatic Invasive Species and Restoration of Natural Communities in Ireland
Alien invasive species are species that have been introduced to locations outside of their natural range and that cause problems for native species, habitats and ecosystems in the new location. With little natural competition, parasites, diseases or barriers to control their spread, invasive species can proliferate aggressively. This can impact the local environment by damaging habitat, excluding native organisms and causing biodiversity loss.
The CAISIE project was an EU Life+ funded programme developed to prevent further biodiversity loss from the increasing threat from aquatic invasive species in Ireland’s inland waterways. The project ran from 2009 to 2013 and focused on two main geographical areas and invasive species:
- Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, which was invaded by curly-leafed waterweed, Lagarosiphon major
- the Grand Canal & Barrow Navigation, which was invaded by the Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea
The CAISIE project demonstrated effective control methods, encouraged stakeholder engagement, raised public awareness, developed policy and carried out scientific research.
Information leaflets and factsheets published by the CAISIE project are available for invasive and potentially invasive species in Ireland:
