Efforts escalating to safeguard Mayo lake’s invasive-free status
The Lough Carra Catchment Association welcomed a strong turnout at a public meeting held at Carnacon Community Centre.
The gathering provided an opportunity to update the community with new developments within the association, as well as the ongoing progress of the Lough Carra LIFE Project.
The meeting opened with Chris Huxley, who delivered positive news regarding recent funding successes for Lough Carra.
The association was delighted to announce that, with support from the Heritage Council’s Heritage Organisations Support Fund, it will be launching the ‘Our Lake, Our Heritage’ project this month.
This initiative aims to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in exploring Lough Carra’s unique ecosystems, biodiversity, and cultural heritage through the Lough Carra Ambassadors Programme.
As part of the project, they will be holding a series of workshops, webinars, and field trips, along with exciting citizen science projects, volunteering opportunities, and a bioblitz during Heritage Week in August.
Ann Marie Meaney, Surface Water Officer for the Lough Carra LIFE Project, also shared encouraging updates on the LIFE Project, particularly regarding the Agri-Environmental Farm Payments Scheme.
In 2024, a total of 57 farm plans were completed and payments processed, marking significant progress. The project team is now working with the same farmers to develop farm plans for 2025.
Additionally, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the team has finalized a Lough Carra Agri-Advisory document, which is set to be published soon. Meanwhile, habitat enhancements, drain management and invasive species control are continuing, alongside monthly chemistry monitoring to track the lake’s ecological health.
The guest speaker was Kate Moore, Invasive Species Officer at the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Her talk focused on the negative impacts of invasive species on lake habitats, emphasiaing the importance of aquatic biosecurity.
She outlined practical steps to prevent the introduction and spread of these species in our lakes.
Kate highlighted that freshwater systems are particularly vulnerable to invasive species due to the interconnected nature of waterways, commercial and recreational activities, and the deliberate stocking of lakes for angling.
She also pointed to the significant threat posed by non-native plants released from gardens, citing the introduction of curly waterweed to Lough Corrib as a prime example.
The rapid spread of this plant has had a devastating impact on the lake’s entire aquatic ecosystem, disrupting native biodiversity.
Once established, these invasives are very hard to eradicate, and often incur huge economic costs, with four million already spent at Lough Corrib in an attempt to combat the spread of the plant.
She also discussed the now well-known scourge of zebra and quagga mussels in our lakes, along with the ' crayfish plague’ pathogen.
While Lough Carra is currently free from invasive mussels, it has been suggested that the lake’s naturally low nutrient levels may play a role in preventing their establishment.
This reinforces the importance of ongoing efforts to maintain appropriate nutrient levels and safeguard Lough Carra’s invasive-free status.
To raise awareness, signage has been erected by the Lough Carra Catchment Association, encouraging people to follow biosecurity protocols.
In addition, Mayo County Council and the Lough Carra LIFE Project remain committed to controlling American Mink populations and curbing the spread of invasive rhododendron around the lake.
If you suspect the presence of an invasive species, please report your findings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre at https://invasives.ie/home/sighting-records/.
To help prevent the spread of invasive species in our waterways, a ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ video is available at https://invasives.ie/biosecurity/check-clean-dry/, providing practical guidance on effective biosecurity measures in our waterways.
The Lough Carra Catchment Association is continuing their series of informative booklets.
The latest edition includes a map indicating areas where the marl crust is in critical condition.
This, along with information on the Lough Carra Ambassadors Programme, is available at their website www.loughcarra.org/ambassadors or by email at info@loughcarra.org