Menu
28/11/2005
Concern as zebra mussels found in Lough Neagh
The discovery of zebra mussels in Lough Neagh has sparked concern that the highly invasive freshwater species has spread to Lough Neagh.
The discovery of five zebra mussels on the hull of a boat taken from its berth in Kinnego Marina, Lough Neagh, has sparked an investigation into the extent of the spread of this destructive mussel species in the largest freshwater lake in Ireland.
Bob Davison of the Environment and Heritage Service said: "The boat has been moored in that berth since May 2005 and there is no reason to believe that the boat brought the zebra mussels into the lake, as it had not been in any other lake such as Lough Erne where zebra mussel are already well established. No other zebra mussels have yet been seen in the lake.
"We have started an investigation into how widely they have colonised the lake. We do not know if the mussels are confined to Kinnego Bay or if they are already present throughout the lough.
"We are very concerned that zebra mussels may be established in Lough Neagh. Invasions of alien species are the biggest threat to native biodiversity after habitat destruction and the zebra mussel is ranked among the world's 100 worst invasive species.
"Over the next few weeks we will be working with other government departments to find out how widespread the mussels are and to work out how best to reduce the problems for users. We will let people know what the situation is as we develop a better picture"
Zebra mussels first invaded Irish waterways in 1994 and spread rapidly throughout the Shannon-Erne waterway and connected canals and lakes.
In July this year, the DOE expressed concern that zebra mussels were present in Carran Lough, Derrygonnelly, which is not connected to the navigable Shannon/Erne system.
This was the first confirmed sighting of zebra mussels outside the Erne Navigation in Northern Ireland since they were discovered in Lough Erne in 1997. Zebra mussels, a native of the Caspian Sea, have major impacts on the ecology of lakes and should they become established in Lough Neagh there will be unpredictable implications for fish, birds, water abstraction, navigation, sand dredging and many other interests.
Forming large colonies on almost any hard surface, dealing with zebra mussels in Lough Erne required modifications at the Killyhevlin Water Treatment Plant, costing over £100,000.
(SP/KMcA)
The discovery of five zebra mussels on the hull of a boat taken from its berth in Kinnego Marina, Lough Neagh, has sparked an investigation into the extent of the spread of this destructive mussel species in the largest freshwater lake in Ireland.
Bob Davison of the Environment and Heritage Service said: "The boat has been moored in that berth since May 2005 and there is no reason to believe that the boat brought the zebra mussels into the lake, as it had not been in any other lake such as Lough Erne where zebra mussel are already well established. No other zebra mussels have yet been seen in the lake.
"We have started an investigation into how widely they have colonised the lake. We do not know if the mussels are confined to Kinnego Bay or if they are already present throughout the lough.
"We are very concerned that zebra mussels may be established in Lough Neagh. Invasions of alien species are the biggest threat to native biodiversity after habitat destruction and the zebra mussel is ranked among the world's 100 worst invasive species.
"Over the next few weeks we will be working with other government departments to find out how widespread the mussels are and to work out how best to reduce the problems for users. We will let people know what the situation is as we develop a better picture"
Zebra mussels first invaded Irish waterways in 1994 and spread rapidly throughout the Shannon-Erne waterway and connected canals and lakes.
In July this year, the DOE expressed concern that zebra mussels were present in Carran Lough, Derrygonnelly, which is not connected to the navigable Shannon/Erne system.
This was the first confirmed sighting of zebra mussels outside the Erne Navigation in Northern Ireland since they were discovered in Lough Erne in 1997. Zebra mussels, a native of the Caspian Sea, have major impacts on the ecology of lakes and should they become established in Lough Neagh there will be unpredictable implications for fish, birds, water abstraction, navigation, sand dredging and many other interests.
Forming large colonies on almost any hard surface, dealing with zebra mussels in Lough Erne required modifications at the Killyhevlin Water Treatment Plant, costing over £100,000.
(SP/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2006
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
04 December 2003
Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
28 March 2024
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
Executive Committed To Protecting Lough Neagh
The Executive has committed to "taking the necessary action to protect and better manage" Lough Neagh. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said that the protection of Lough Neagh and the surrounding environment is a key priority for the Executive.
07 October 2004
Belfast Lough 'mussels' in on export market
Belfast Lough is 'mussel-ing' in on the international seafood market by exporting blue mussels to the continent.
Belfast Lough 'mussels' in on export market
Belfast Lough is 'mussel-ing' in on the international seafood market by exporting blue mussels to the continent.
08 November 2005
Strangford mussels issue nets Brussels warning
The failure of measures supposed to offer protection of delicate mussel beds in Strangford Lough, which is a Special Area of Conservation, have resulted in a formal warning letter from the European Commission being sent to the Department of the Environment.
Strangford mussels issue nets Brussels warning
The failure of measures supposed to offer protection of delicate mussel beds in Strangford Lough, which is a Special Area of Conservation, have resulted in a formal warning letter from the European Commission being sent to the Department of the Environment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
