Dangerous Invasive Clam found on the River Nore

News release: for immediate release 20/07/2010

{joomplu:11}

One of the world’s most dangerous invasive species has been discovered in the Co. Kilkenny and Carlow areas. This small clam has the ability to exclude all other life forms by carpeting the river bed and devastating our salmon, brown trout and sea lamprey populations. The Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) is regarded as one of the most invasive species found in freshwater habitats and has been discovered in lower reaches of both the Rivers Barrow and Nore. In the US the clam causes an estimated $1 billion in damages annually.

Intensive surveys will be conducted in both rivers ( River Nore & Barrow)and in the connected River Suir over the coming weeks to accurately determine the distribution of the clam in these conservation watercourses. Results from these surveys will inform any subsequent decisions on clam eradication, control or management programmes. To date Inland Fisheries Ireland research staff have found dense populations, with almost 10,000 clams per metre in the River Barrow and further populations of clams in 7km sections of the river downstream of St Mullins.

Dr Joe Caffrey, Senior Research Officer with Inland Fisheries Ireland is regarding this invasive species as one of the most potentially dangerous to be found in the country “If we are to win the battle against invasive species, we must be biosecurity aware and actively stop the spread of these pernicious species. The Asian clam probably represents one of the most potentially damaging invasive species to reach our shores. It is imperative that every action to bring it under control is taken.”

The clam is self fertilising, which means only one clam is required to begin a new population. As the clam can be easily spread by man or waterfowl from one watercourse to another it is vital that action is taken to minimise this risk.

It is extremely important that all individuals or user groups that have any involvement with either the Rivers Barrow or Nore play their part in ensuring that the dreaded Asian clam is not spread within these rivers or to other watercourses.

Media Enquires

Suzanne Campion
Director – IFI Clonmel,
Anglesea Street,
Clonmel, Co. Tipperary.

Tel: 052 6180055 Mob: 087 2690183 Fax: 052 6123971
Email: scampion@srfb.ie Web: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Notes to Editor

Inland Fisheries Ireland is the agency at the fore front in heralding the urgent need for bio security among all stakeholders and has recently produced a guide for anglers detailing how to properly disinfect their boats and equipment when moving from one watercourse to another (see www.caisie.ie). In this regard, it is vitally important that all individuals or user groups that have any involvement with either the Rivers Barrow or Nore play their part in ensuring that the dreaded Asian clam is not spread within these rivers or to other watercourses.

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.