Drop Down Menu
  Search...
 

Swilly sea survey underway 15.07.09

Environmentalists to map invasive species

by Damian Dowds, Inishowen Independent

A MAJOR survey is currently under way on Lough Swilly to assess the spread of Gigas oysters, an invasive alien species now present in the Lough, and the presence of a useful seagrass called Zostera.
Environmental group Coastwatch has joined forces with local native oyster fishermen to undertake the survey and Karin Dubsky of Coastwatch has appealed for volunteers for help.
Speaking after the weekend survey, Dubsky, a marine biologist, said that the Gigas oyster has become a major pest in the Swilly. The Gigas oyster has supplanted native species in other waters around Europe.
“It’s the dominant organism at midshore near Buncrana pier, but early indications suggest that its presence in the Lough is patchy,” she said. “It has become a very serious pest in parts of continental Europe. We don’t think it’s too advanced here, so we’re hopeful that we can stop the spread of it here before it’s too late.”
“There is amazing diversity in shellfish in the Swilly, and we want to help maintain that and not allow this alien oyster species to take over.”
The second aspect of the survey is to determine the presence of a seagrass called Zostera. “We’re trying to map the presence of zostera in the Swilly,” Dubsky said. “It’s a great food stuff for sea life and a sign of a really healthy habitat.”
Training is available for volunteers and the survey can either be undertaken by walking the shore around low tide and noting down observations on a survey form, or as part of an organised dive.
The survey started last
evening and continues at low tide from 3-7pm this evening, Tuesday, at selected areas. The survey runs until Wednesday when a review of results will take place at Inch House on Inch Island. Further surveys by volunteers will also take place over the next ten days.
“If you’re a local who knows the shore your expertise would be a huge extra asset,” Dubsky said. “And if you’re a diver who wants to take part in our first underwater survey, please contact my colleague Lynda Weekes at lyndawks@gmail.com .”
To take part in the survey, contact Karin Dubsky on 086 811 1684.
Return to > Top Stories    > News    > Home