Loughs Agency urges invasives species action in Foyle catchment area

Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) pose a major threat to the delicate balance of the ecosystems in the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas. As Loughs Agency marks Invasive Species Week, it is imperative to recognise the pressing need for heightened awareness and collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact of these species.

In the last fifty years, human activity has led to a sharp increase in global travel. More people and goods travelling more rapidly around the world means more chances and opportunities for plants and animals to be moved too.

In addition to the increased rate of movement of people and trade, climate change will influence species distributions by affecting potential species ranges. 

There are multiple pathways by which a species can move to habitats beyond their native range. A pathway is essentially the route through which a potential invasive species can be introduced into a new environment. Introductions can be accidental or deliberate and the consequences of these introductions are often unpredictable.

The impacts of INNS on our native habitats can be complex and devastating and can include ecological changes, economic losses, and social impacts.  

Aquatic habitats are more at risk from invasive species than terrestrial habitats because water provides lots of opportunity for species to disperse from the point of introduction through interconnected aquatic systems. Aquatic INNS tend to be well adapted to spread naturally in aquatic systems.

People also aid in the dispersal of aquatic INNS through recreational and commercial use of the water. 

Japanese Knotweed

Several invasive species have established a foothold in the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas, increasing the need for proactive measures. Notable among these are:

Asian Clam: Characterised by its yellowish/brown shell with distinctive ridges, the Asian Clam is a freshwater bivalve which impacts on our native aquatic systems  as a result of its rapid rates of reproduction and its filter feeding activity.  Asian clam disrupts native ecosystems, displacing native filter feeding species like the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel. 

Giant Hogweed: Giant Hogweed sap contains agents that cause severe skin inflammation when exposed to sunlight. This raises concerns for both public safety and the integrity of ecosystems.

Himalayan Balsam: Himalayan Balsam's uncontrolled growth presents a significant ecological hazard. Its tendency to outcompete native plants and spread seeds downstream exacerbates erosion and disrupts river ecosystems.

Japanese Knotweed: Originally introduced as an ornamental plant, Japanese Knotweed now infests various habitats, including riverbanks, choking out native species and exacerbating soil erosion.

Pink Salmon (pictured above): Pink Salmon threaten indigenous salmon populations through competition for resources and transmission of parasites.

In response to the threat of INNS, Loughs Agency urges public vigilance and proactive engagement. If encountered, individuals are encouraged to record sightings, refrain from disturbing the species, and promptly report findings to the Agency. 

Sharon McMahon, Loughs Agency Chief Executive, said: “Invasive species continue to arrive and threaten our wildlife and ecosystems, so it is imperative that preventative actions are taken to avoid further spread and introductions. 

Japanese Knotweed

“Through a shared commitment to awareness and collaboration, we can ensure the protection of our freshwater ecosystems for future generations."

Further information on what Loughs Agency is doing to combat invasive species can be found at loughs-agency.org.