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Project title

Alien invasive species in Irish water bodies

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

Lead Applicant

Christine A. Maggs

Project Abstract

This all-island consortium of experienced researchers from university, SME and government sectors will address the knowledge gap identified under the Water Framework Directive for alien invasive species in Ireland?s River Basin Districts, and produce a monitoring and reporting strategy. This will be achieved by: literature review of impacts on natural ecosystems, vectors, spread potential and control options; analysis of impacts of selected invasive species on structure and function of natural ecosystems (primarily by innovative studies of impacted and non-impacted foodwebs using stable isotopes in exemplar waterbodies); and preparation of an archived GIS-based database of aquatic aliens in Ireland. We anticipate at least three peer-reviewed publications, with conference presentations: (1) stable isotope investigation of impacted and non-impacted foodwebs; (2) quantitative ecological studies of impacted and non-impacted systems in two waterbodies; (3) recommendations from trials of control of Lagarosiphon and Chub; this project will also educate and train two MPhil students.Invasive Species in Ireland (www.invasivespeciesireland.com) will have a dedicated page of project outputs, with links to consortium partners? websites. The Invasive Species Forum (60 organisations) will disseminate and communicate research findings to stakeholder groups, including all relevant Government departments and agencies, industry, NGOs and academia.

Grant Approved

�250,169.90

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Improve our Knowledge on the State of our Water Resources and Pressures

Start Date

01/01/2008

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/03/2010