MARINE NOTICE, No 119 of 2014
Shannon Navigation
Lough Ree – Lanesborough
Asian Clam
Waterways Ireland has been advised by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) that angling at the ‘hotwater’ stretch in Lanesborough, Co. Longford is prohibited. See enclosure attached.
This is an emergency response due to confirmation of the presence of the invasive species“ Asian Clam“ downstream of the ESB electricity generation powerplant located on the eastern side of the navigation .
Anglers and boat users should be aware of the dangers posed to other bodies of water as the „Asian Clam“ can spread on fishing equipment such as keep nets, landing nets, boats, rods and clothing.
Reporting of a sighting of an invasive species can be made to the IFI 24 hour hotline on 1890 34 74 24.
Waterways Ireland thanks its customers for their co-operation.
Charles Lawn, Inspector of Navigation, The Docks, Athlone, Co.Westmeath, 24 Sep 2014
Enclosure to Marine Notice No. 119 of 2014.
Asian Clam invasive species found in Longford – Angling prohibited until further notice
Inland Fisheries Ireland has prohibited angling at the‘hotwater’stretch in Lanesborough, Co. Longford. This emergency response is due to the confirmation of the presence of Asian Clam, Corbilcula fluminea, downstream of the ESB powerplant at the top of Lough Ree. Asian Clam has the ability to aggressively expand ranges and to rapidly invade areas in a short period of time, outcompeting native invertebrate communities and altering benthic habitats. This species can also cause severe problems for the maintenance operations of navigation authorities.
Anglers and boat users must be aware of the dangers posed to other waters. Asian clam can spread on fishing equipment such as keep nets, landing nets, boats, rods and clothing. A decision has been made to close this section of the fishery as a temporary measure to avoid the accidental spread of Asian Clam to other waters.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is working closely with all the relevant agencies, NPWS, Waterways Ireland, ESB, Bord Na Mona, OPW, Roscommon and Longford County Councils and the local community and angling groups to put immediate measures in place to re-open the Lanesboro fishery to angling.
Disinfection stations will be provided by Inland Fisheries Ireland, funded by the ESB, and managed within the local community over the next two weeks. This will, combined with a responsible attitude by all water users, facilitate the resumption of angling activity in the community.
The agencies unanimously agreed that a detailed scientific survey will be carried out within the next 7-10 days. This survey will inform decisions on the collaborative actions required for the medium and long term interventions and strategies.
Continued awareness and responsible behaviour by all water users is paramount to ensuring the work of the agencies involved has the best chance for success and the prevention of any further spread. In this regard all of the agencies appeal to the respective stakeholders to continue to observe bio-security measures, seek advice on any planned activity and assist in the efforts to manage a very difficult situation.
Inland Fisheries Ireland would also like to advise water users that they can report a sighting of any invasive species to the 24 hour hotline on 1890 34 74 24.
