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An aggressive alien plant species has been positively identified in Lough Corrib. Lagarosiphon major, a water weed, has become well established in the lake in recent years.
The statutory bodies with an involvement in Lough Corrib including The Central Fisheries Board and Western Regional Fisheries Board, representatives of Galway County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have recently established a task force in response to this serious problem. The main aim of the task force is to determine and implement all the possible options for the control and if possible, the elimination of this invasive alien species.
This is a water plant that can grow to 6 metres (20 feet) deep in water and as a result, is rapidly choking and taking over significant areas of the lake.
It forms very dense infestations and poses serious problems for angling, boating, environmental and tourism interests. It creates poorer living conditions for native plants, fish, birds and insects and can ultimately displace them from their natural habitats.
This weed originated in Southern Africa and it is believed to have escaped into Lough Corrib from ornamental garden ponds.
An information leaflet has been produced to help the public and interested groups identify the weed. The task force would advise anyone who comes across the weed, to immediately contact Dr Joe Caffrey, Senior Research Officer, Central Fisheries Board, joe.caffrey@cfb.ie or their local Regional Fisheries Board Officer.
If you would like a copy of the leaflet, please e-mail info@cfb.ie. The leaflet is also available on the Central Fisheries Board website at http://www.cfb.ie/pr/lmb.htm
Photo: Lagarosiphon.jpg
Photo Caption: Pictured left to right; the indigenous weed, Elodea Canadensis and the invasive African weed, Lagarosiphon Major
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