New Invasive Species, the Asian Clam, Found in Ireland

A new aquatic invasive species, the Asian Clam (Corbicula Fluminea) has been found in the River Barrow in Co. Carlow. The identity and status of this species was confirmed by Dr Joe Caffrey the Central Fisheries Board expert on aquatic invasive species.

The species which originates in south eastern Asia can grow up to 50mm in length has the potential to severely impact any water bodies where it is found and is estimated to cause up to $1 billion in damages annually in the USA where it has also been recorded.

Photo: The Asian Clam, a new aquatic invasive species in Ireland

Dr Caffrey remarked that “it is ironic that on the day the first stakeholder workshop for the €1.5 million EU Life+ funded CAISIE (Control of Aquatic Invasive Species and Restoration of Natural Communities) project is to be held in Athlone a new aquatic invasive species has been identified.”

Attending the CAISIE stakeholder workshop were two recognised international invasive species experts Dr Trevor Renals, from the Environment Agency, and Dr Niall Moore of the Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) who both gave papers detailing their experiences with invasive species in the UK.

Aquatic invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity in Irish freshwaters and their adverse effect will continue unless effective eradication and control methods are developed. The primary aim of the CAISIE project is to focus on researching and implementing control and eradication methods in Lough Corrib, the Grand Canal and in the Barrow Navigation Line.

For further information on the Life + CAISE project please log onto www.caisie.ie

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For media enquires

Linda Mc Kenny,
PR and Communication Officer,
Central Fisheries Board,
Swords Business Campus,
Swords, Co. Dublin

Tel: 01 8842639 Mobile: 087 3294440
Email: linda.mckenny@cfb.ie

Notes to Editor:

The Life+ Control of Aquatic Invasive Species in Ireland (CAISIE) project  is co-financed by the National Parks and Wild Life Service.

Invasive species are plants and animals that have been introduced from outside their natural habitats and are non-native to an area. They can take over the habitat of native Irish species very quickly, resulting in the decline or elimination of these native species. They can cause economic and environmental harm and may even adversely affect human health.

The Central Fisheries Board (CFB) is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act 1980.

Its principal functions are to advise the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on policy relating to the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries and sea angling, to co-ordinate and provide specialist and support services to the Regional Fisheries Boards, and to advise the Minister on the performance by the Regional Fisheries Boards of their functions.

The seven Regional Fisheries Boards have primary responsibility for fisheries management in their Regions. The role of the Regional Fisheries Boards is to conserve, protect, develop manage and promote inland fisheries. The Boards are also responsible for developing and promoting sea angling and protecting molluscs

Under the rationalisation of state agencies outlined in Budget 2009, The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards will be merged to form Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) in early 2010.