CAISIE at the 17th ICAIS conference in San Diego
The CAISIE project team recently presented two talks at the 17th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS) based on their ongoing Lagarosiphon major-related scientific and practical control work in Lough Corrib. Over 200 international experts in aquatic invasive species (AIS) from 15 countries attended the conference. The topics covered were wide-ranging, from the latest scientific research in this area, to AIS control and policy, stakeholder engagement and education and awareness.
Dr Joe Caffrey presented a talk on “Control of Lagarosiphon major and restoration of indigenous communities using a biodegradable geotextile (jute matting) to exclude light”. This was preceded by a presentation on “Understanding the lifecycle and morphology of the invasive Lagarosiphon major in Lough Corrib, Ireland, in order to develop effective control practices” by Dr Michael Millane, also of the CAISIE project. The jute matting has proved to be a novel and effective weed control approach, not only to eradicate the weed in infested areas, but also to rehabilitate the native charophyte beds, which represent the keystone habitat in the lake. The lifecycle and morphology studies have allowed the documentation of the seasonal changes that occur in the invasive weed beds. As a result, this knowledge can then be applied to better inform current and future weed control practices.
Both talks were well received and initiated many insightful discussions with other international researchers working on similar problematic plant species. Throughout the four day conference, there were many opportunities to draw on the broad-ranging experiences of other AIS experts on the various freshwater species that we currently have problems with here in Ireland, as well as those which may invade Ireland in the future.
One interesting parallel with recent Irish invasive species experiences was the discovery of the Asian clam in Lake George in New York state around the week of the conference. This species had only just been found in Ireland earlier this year in three waterways (R. Barrow, R. Nore and the upper R. Shannon). CAISIE were fortunate to be invited by the Lake Champlain Basin Program co-ordinator to participate in a conference call about their rapid response approach to their clam infestation. It was informative to see this in action first-hand and relate it back to the situation here, which is being co-ordinated by Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Another notable feature of the conference highlighted the comprehensive AIS policy approaches being undertaken in North America and Australia to combat the spread of AIS between invaded and non-invaded waterbodies. In many instances, there are wide-ranging biosecurity-related laws already in place, and public awareness of the issues in the areas affected, in general, appears to be quite good. It must be noted that, in Lough Corrib, there is now an increased awareness of the presence of and problems posed by Lagarosiphon major (aka curly-leaved waterweed). This is evidenced in part by the day to day banter with local residents and water users, including anglers, and those involved in local hospitality, like pub and restaurant staff as well as accommodation providers, and of course the Galway taxi drivers, whose knowledge on the topic never ceases to amaze me! Indeed, CAISIE has been involved in highlighting the issue of AIS in local radio and print media, at the Public Forum and Fisheries Awareness Week events which took place in Galway city earlier this year, and most recently, at the new AIS display now present at the National Aquarium in Salthill.
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