News

Invasive aquatic plants in Northern Ireland

Invasive alien species are considered to be the one of the most serious threats to biodiversity worldwide. Introduced species and genetic material have a major impact on biodiversity. Invasion of Irish water bodies by multiple high impact aquatic species is becoming common with increasingly unpredictable effects. When non-native species become invasive they can transform ecosystems and threaten and endangered native species.

Invasive aquatic species

In Northern Ireland, the threat from invasive aquatic plants to native biodiversity is growing, with species such as the water fern (Azolla filiculoides), parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) and the newly introduced curly waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) of particular concern. In addition, invasion of Irish waterbodies by multiple high impact species is becoming common with increasingly unpredictable effects. Invasive species are the subject of national and international legislation to prevent further introductions and mitigate the damage caused.

This 3 year PhD is a Natural Heritage Research Partnership (NHRP) project and is designed to assess the current status of invasive aquatic species across Northern Ireland . Specific aims include:   

1.       Review and collate existing datasets on the distribution of invasive aquatic plants in NI

2.       Review and collate existing datasets on the distribution of native aquatic plants of conservation concern in NI

3.       Survey selected water bodies and river catchments (including designated SACs) for invasive alien species

4.       Determine environmental parameters influencing invasion risk

5.       Determine ecophysiological thresholds of specific invasive species of concern

6.       Evaluate the putative impact of climate change on invasive species; their dispersal and ecological effects