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Extreme caution has been urged regarding boat and angler movement following the discovery of Zebra Mussels in Ross Lake. Ross Lake is on a chain of lakes that ultimately enters Lough Corrib in Moycullen Bay.
Officers of The Western Regional Fisheries Board have confirmed the presence of zebra mussels in Ross Lake, Rosscahill, Co. Galway. The lake is very popular with coarse anglers and attracts fishermen from all over Europe.
The infestation was first suspected a few days ago when a survey of the lake fish stocks was being undertaken by staff of the Central and Western Regional Fisheries Boards. A suspect mussel was recovered and an examination of fish stomach contents by biologists found fragments of Zebra Mussel-like shells in the stomachs of coarse fish.
On foot of the above discovery Fishery Board staff undertook an examination of the lake in greater detail and confirmed the presence of significant numbers of Zebra Mussels in this lake.
Preliminary analysis indicates that the infestation is not new and it is probable that the initial infestation occurred over a year ago.
All anglers are being requested to refrain from fishing Ross Lake in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading the mussel to Lough Corrib, Mask or Carra.
All fishing equipment especially keep nets pose an extremely high risk of spreading the infestation and must be disinfected and dried prior to use in another water.
At an emergency meeting of the Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative held in Galway today alarm was expressed that despite a concerted awareness campaign by the group which includes The Western Regional Fisheries Board, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Galway County Council, The Heritage Council and angling groups that other lakes in the region are now under serious threat. Lough Corrib lower is thought to be especially vulnerable as the water from Ross Lake eventually enters the lower Corrib.
As an emergency precautionary measure by all anglers and boaters, no boat movement should take place from Lough Corrib, Ross or Ballyquirke Lake to any other lakes in the Region.
Anglers are also reminded that the movement of live fish as bait from one water to another is illegal.
Greg Forde,
Acting Chief Executive Officer
The Western Regional Fisheries Board
Michael J. Hynes,
Chairman
Western Region Zebra Mussel Control
Initiative
Galway
For further formation please contact the above.
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