Asian clam discovered on shannon

The presence of the highly invasive Asian clam has been detected on the Shannon.

The aggressive alien invasive species, which was discovered at the hotwater stretch of Lough Ree in Lanesborough, Co Longford, was confirmed yesterday (Thursday).

Angling at the stretch that lies downstream of the town’s ESB powerplant is now prohibited, as Asian clam can spread on fishing equipment, and a rapid response team has been deployed by Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Director for the Shannon River Basin District of Inland Fisheries Ireland Amanda Mooney described yesterday’s discovery as “a tremendous shock” and a “serious development”, but said Inland Fisheries Ireland are dealing with it.

The Asian clam, or Corbilcula fluminea, is similar to the Zebra mussel in its ability to become highly invasive in a short period of time.

At high densities it can alter the food web and compete with native mussel species. Asian clam are known to aggressively out compete native invertebrate communities, limit phytoplankton biomass, biofoul water intakes, alter benthic habitats, add biologically available nitrogen and phosphorus to systems and impact aesthetic and recreational values of public beaches, lake front properties and swimming areas.

Their high rates of filtration, metabolism, reproduction, tolerance to wide ranges of habitats and juvenile dispersal allows Asian clam to aggressively expand ranges and to rapidly re-invade areas, limiting management, reducing restoration efforts and impacting native benthic communities.

“It is a tremendous shock to discover that this aggressive alien invasive species is present and established in this popular fishery,” Ms Mooney said yesterday.

“Inland Fisheries Ireland is responding to this serious development and anglers and other water users are encouraged to report any sighting of this or other invasive species to our 24 hour confidential hotline 1890 34 74 24 or use the IFI Invasive Species app.”

It’s planned that the fishery in Lanesborough will re-open at the earliest opportunity once bio-security measures for anglers, including disinfection facilities for all angling equipment, can be introduced.

A full assessment of the area is currently being carried out, while a meeting between a number of relevant agencies is scheduled for next Monday to ensure the clam spreads no further on Lough Ree.