National Biodiversity Centre launch new awareness video on Invasive Species
A new educational film exploring the devastating impact of invasive species on Ireland’s freshwater environments has been launched by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
The video aims to raise public awareness and encourage responsible waterway use and is part of the ongoing ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ campaign, a collaborative initiative supported by a number of stakeholders including Leave No Trace Ireland.
The film highlights how invasive species from all over the world have been introduced to Irish waters and have impacted our freshwater environment. These species can outcompete native species, spread disease, and block waterways and riverbanks and are extremely difficult to control or eradicate. They also interfere with fishing, damage boats—leading to increased maintenance costs—and make navigation difficult for boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Two of the most common aquatic invasive species that have serious impacts on the freshwater environment—Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) and Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
Curly Waterweed
Curly waterweed is a highly invasive aquatic plant native to Africa. It is widespread in Ireland, particularly in Lough Corrib and County Kerry. This fast-growing plant rapidly forms dense, tangled mats on the water’s surface, disrupting aquatic ecosystems. It spreads easily when fragments break off from the parent plant—either naturally or through human activity—floating to new locations where they sink, take root, and establish new populations. The number of new infestations is increasing, posing a serious threat to Ireland’s waterways.
Zebra Mussel
The zebra mussel originally from Eastern Europe, is now widespread in Irish waters. It is highly prolific, with each individual producing thousands of juveniles that float in the water for several days before settling on rocks, stones, and other surfaces. A major concern is their tendency to attach to boats, propellers, and intake pipes, leading to significant maintenance and repair issues. Their rapid spread threatens native species and disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
Water users may not know that they can unknowingly spread invasive species from one water body to another via equipment, shoes, and clothing. In order to help prevent this they can follow following three simple steps when leaving the water:
- CHECK your equipment gear, clothing, and footwear after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals, or plant material.
- CLEAN everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying special attention to ropes, nets, waders, and damp or hard-to-inspect areas. If possible, use hot water (at least 45°C) steam or a high-pressure spray.
- DRY all equipment and clothing for at least 48 hours before using them again, as some species can survive for days or even weeks in moist conditions. Drain water from every pat of your boat or trailer before leaving the site.
- For more information and resources go to www.invasives.ie
