Anglers help tackle alien pests

Alien, invasive species or pests – call them what you like but plants and animals that are not a natural part of our ecosystems have the potential to cause harm to our environment, economy and even human health.

While most anglers are vigilant about the risk of spreading non-native species and diseases, there is a real risk that those that aren't could accidentally spread these organisms, harming the environment and potentially damaging the reputation of the sport and the fish stocks they rely on.

To help tackle the problem, a group of young anglers are getting the latest biosecurity advice on how to look after their equipment and clothing to help reduce the spread of such non-native species.

“Invasive species pose a growing threat to our environment, economy and human health. Once established, they are extremely difficult and costly to control and eradicate, and their ecological effects are often irreversible, second only to damage caused by habitat destruction,” explained Rose Muir from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s Alien Invasive Species Team.

“They can also adversely impact on recreational activities such as walking, boating, fishing, swimming and various other water-based leisure pursuits.  We are working with a group of young anglers to teach them at an early age about the importance of good biosecurity to help minimise the risks as well as increasing awareness and understanding.”

Various types of recreational water users have been identified as being at a high risk of inadvertently introducing or spreading invasive aquatic plants and invertebrates which can hitch-hike on their equipment or clothes.

Seamus Connor from DAERA Inland Fisheries said: “Our ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ campaign stresses to recreational water users to check their equipment and clothing for living organisms, clean all footwear, equipment and clothes and dry them before moving to different water.

“Our anglers are often our eyes and ears when it comes to spotting threats and unwanted species and reporting them to us for action. They are also not averse to getting their hands dirty and helping with rapid response clean-up operations.

“Many angling organisations in Northern Ireland are actively managing our water ways to eradicate invasive species.

“Some aquatic invasive species can survive out of water for 16 days and more on damp clothing and equipment. So our message to young anglers or others who enjoy boating, canoeing or other similar activities, remember to check all their equipment.”

This year, for the first time, Invasive Species Week will run throughout the British Irish Council territories, GB & NI, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man from March 23-29. DAERA’s team from Inland Fisheries and NIEA joined the Angling First charity at their Lurgan Road site in Dromore, Co Down, to teach some 30 children the importance of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign.

DAERA Fisheries Officers were also able to hand over permanent ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ signage to highlight the importance of good biosecurity on our lakes and rivers and for the next generation of recreational water users.

Notes to editors: 

1. Invasive Species Week runs this year for the first time runs throughout the British Irish Council territories, GB & NI, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man from 23rd to the 29th March 2018.
2. You can find out more about the Check Clean Dry campaign on their website.
3. Angling First aims to introduce the sport of angling to young people as a positive alternative to engaging in anti-social activity. 
4. Invasive aquatic species include floating pennywort which is native to North America. It forms a thick mat across the surface of water blocking out light to native vegetation below. It also increases the risk of flooding and can obstruct recreational activities. The destructive zebra mussel can be found now in most of our large water bodies. They reduce the amount of food available for other organisms, including fish and can damage boats and clog up water and sewage pipes. Visit the Invasive Species website to find details of other species which can damage our environment.
5. DAERA’s bee inspectors have been running bee health workshops throughout to highlight the dangers of the Asian hornet and provide guidance on trapping them.
6. Picture caption: DAERA officials marked the beginning of Invasive Species Week at Angling First, a Dromore-based organisation which introduces children and vulnerable adults to the sport of fishing.
7. As well as talking to pupils from St Oliver Plunkett primary school, Belfast, officials presented a sign which highlights the importance of biosecurity to stop the spread of invasive species. Pictured are Rose Muir from DAERA Invasive Species team, Mark McGivern from Angling First and Chief Fisheries Officer Seamus O’Connor.
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9. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

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