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Swilly sea survey underway
15.07.09
Environmentalists to
map invasive species
by Damian Dowds, Inishowen
Independent
A MAJOR survey is currently under way on Lough
Swilly to assess the spread of Gigas oysters, an
invasive alien species now present in the Lough, and
the presence of a useful seagrass called Zostera.
Environmental group Coastwatch has joined forces
with local native oyster fishermen to undertake the
survey and Karin Dubsky of Coastwatch has appealed
for volunteers for help.
Speaking after the weekend survey, Dubsky, a marine
biologist, said that the Gigas oyster has become a
major pest in the Swilly. The Gigas oyster has
supplanted native species in other waters around
Europe.
“It’s the dominant organism at midshore near
Buncrana pier, but early indications suggest that
its presence in the Lough is patchy,” she said. “It
has become a very serious pest in parts of
continental Europe. We don’t think it’s too advanced
here, so we’re hopeful that we can stop the spread
of it here before it’s too late.”
“There is amazing diversity in shellfish in the
Swilly, and we want to help maintain that and not
allow this alien oyster species to take over.” |
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The second aspect of
the survey is to determine the presence of a
seagrass called Zostera. “We’re trying to map the
presence of zostera in the Swilly,” Dubsky said.
“It’s a great food stuff for sea life and a sign of
a really healthy habitat.”
Training is available for volunteers and the survey
can either be undertaken by walking the shore around
low tide and noting down observations on a survey
form, or as part of an organised dive.
The survey started last |
evening and continues
at low tide from 3-7pm this evening, Tuesday, at
selected areas. The survey runs until Wednesday when
a review of results will take place at Inch House on
Inch Island. Further surveys by volunteers will also
take place over the next ten days.
“If you’re a local who knows the shore your
expertise would be a huge extra asset,” Dubsky said.
“And if you’re a diver who wants to take part in our
first underwater survey, please contact my colleague
Lynda Weekes at
lyndawks@gmail.com .”
To take part in the survey, contact Karin Dubsky on
086 811 1684. |
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