The hated Zebra Mussel which is threatening the ecology of Irish waterways has spread further in Northern Ireland, it was confirmed today.
The freshwater mussel, a native of the Caspian Sea area of eastern Europe first invaded Ireland in 1994 and swiftly spread throughout the Erne-Shannon waterway and connected navigable waters.
Now the Department of Environment has confirmed the first sightings of the Zebra outside the Erne Navigation system has been made in Carran Lough, at Derrygonnelly, Co Fermanagh which is not connected to the Erne-Shannon system.
The British government has been warning for at least eight years about the impact the mussels can have on the ecology of lakes.
It says they are a major risk to the future of some freshwater fisheries, threatening a decline in income for commercial fisheries and the tourist industry associated with recreational fisheries.
The mussels also block intake pipes increasing costs at water treatment works.
Already modifications costing over £100,000 have had to be made at the Killyhevlin Water Treatment Works on Lough Erne.
Excessive weed growth resulting from Zebra mussel activity has also caused serious problems for boat users in Upper Lough Erne and consequently on tourism, said the Department of Environment.
“Zebra mussels have the potential to cause huge ecological change in our freshwaters,” warned Bob Davidson of the Environment and Heritage Service.
He added: “The impacts in Lough Erne emphasise the importance of preventing Zebra mussel spread to other lakes.”
Queen's university had identified the most vulnerable lakes as Lough Neagh, Lough Melvin and the MacNean lakes, he said.
“Our guidelines stress that action needs to be taken by all water users to prevent further spread to Zebra mussel-free lakes, “ said Mr Davidson.
PA