CAISIE After-Life Conservation Plan

Transcription

1 CAISIE After-Life Conservation Plan Control of Aquatic Invasive Species and Restoration of Natural Communities in Ireland LIFE 07 NAT IRL

2 The CAISIE (Control of Aquatic Invasive Species and Restoration of Natural Communities in Ireland) After-LIFE Conservation Plan was prepared by CAISIE Project staff and by members of Inland Fisheries Ireland. This document represents a final deliverable for the CAISIE LIFE+ Project. The CAISIE Project was funded with the contribution of the LIFE+ financial instrument of the European Community, with co-financing from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and was coordinated by Inland Fisheries Ireland. The following organisations also supported this project: Carlow County Council, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Heritage Council, Office of Public Works, Waterways Ireland, MERC Consultants, Moore Marine and the Project Advisory Group. Contact information: Project Leader: Dr Joe Caffrey Inland Fisheries Ireland, Swords Business Campus, Swords, Balheary Rd, Swords, Dublin / info@caisie.ie / info@fisheriesireland.ie 2

3 Table of Contents 1. Project history and situation analysis... 4 Current situation... 5 SWOT ANALYSIS Define the After-LIFE objectives and methodology... 7 Objectives... 7 Methodology... 9 Control action plan for Curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib... 9 Control action plan for Asian Clam Control action plans Himalayan balsam Capacity needs of the project team Institutional issues Political and social challenges Identify the funding needs and the sources of funds

4 1. Project history and situation analysis The aim of the EU Life+ Nature and Biodiversity project Control of Aquatic Invasive Species and Restoration of Natural Communities in Ireland (CAISIE) was to: contribute to the halting of biodiversity loss in Ireland by preventing further impacts on native biodiversity from high impact aquatic invasive species, through the development and demonstration of effective control methods, a programme of stakeholder engagement and awareness raising, and policy development and dissemination. The CAISIE Project was developed in response to the increasing threat from aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Ireland s inland waterways. This particularly reflected the threat posed by the Curly-leaved waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) in Lough Corrib and the recognition of the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation as a significant pathway for the spread of such invasive species throughout Ireland. The CAISIE Project was funded with the contribution of the LIFE+ financial instrument of the European Community, with co-financing from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The project was coordinated by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). The project commenced in January 2009 and concluded in January The key project deliverables listed as actions in the CAISIE project proposal were as follows: Action Deliverable A.1 Project initiation A.2 Stakeholder consultations A.3 Workshop on control options and remediation A.4 Action plans C.1 Eradication of Curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib C.2 Quantify the impact on native communities in target water bodies of the removal of invasive species C.3 Control of high impact invasive species in the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation C.4 Evaluate biological control of aquatic invasive species in Ireland C.5 Remediation of native biotic communities. D.1 Stakeholder engagement programme D.2 Education and awareness programme D.3 Dissemination programme E.1 Project management E.2 Monitoring of project performance E.3 After-Life Conservation Plan 4

5 Current situation Following the 49 month LIFE+ CAISIE project: Lough Corrib Over 90 % of the 92 hectare infestation of Curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib has been treated. Native species have re-established in treated areas after weed control. Previously infested areas have been re-opened for angling, boating and other water-based activities. A rapid reaction capability to quickly respond to new threats of AIS in Lough Corrib has been implemented. Weed control operations have prevented the spread of Curly-leaved waterweed to the lower section of Lough Corrib. New control methods have been developed to successfully treat Curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib. Jute matting, which was developed by CAISIE for aquatic weed control, has since been used in other weed infested waters in Ireland and internationally. Considerable progress has been made to identify a suitable biological agent to control Curlyleaved waterweed. New survey methods have been developed to speedily and effectively monitor the distribution and extent of colonisation of Curly-leaved waterweed and assess the efficacy of the control measures employed to treat it. A herbarium of indigenous macrophyte flora of Lough Corrib has been prepared. Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation The distribution and abundance of AIS in the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation have been established. New control methods have been successfully developed or adapted and are currently on trial to treat a range of AIS in the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation. All sites with Giant hogweed, Japanese knotweed, New Zealand pigmyweed and Nuttall s pondweed on the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation have been treated. Himalayan balsam has been contained in the Barrow Navigation upstream of Carlow town. Dace have been prevented from entering the main Grand Canal channel. Trials on a range of control methods for Asian clam, a new invader to the River Barrow, were undertaken. Vectors and Pathways A detailed appraisal of AIS vectors and pathways has increased the understanding of how AIS are introduced into and spread in Irish waterways. This has led to the development of targeted initiatives to limit their further introduction or spread. Stakeholder engagement and Biosecurity CAISIE drove AIS Biosecurity Policy in Ireland and within IFI. The CAISIE Project has been integral to the development of AIS biosecurity initiatives in Ireland and in engaging with stakeholders. A range of invasive species education and awareness material has been produced and circulated, including biosecurity guidelines for various stakeholder groups. Approximately 70 events to promote biosecurity have been attended and the project has successfully encouraged the implementation of AIS biosecurity among stakeholders. CAISIE has been integral to the mandatory disinfection of angling gear at a number of international angling competitions. A suite of practical tools for stakeholders, including IFI and its sister agencies, to tackle any future invasions of AIS have been developed. This includes guidelines on effective measures to control high impact AIS. Native species have re-established in treated areas. 5

6 SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Biosecurity protocols for key stakeholder groups developed and disseminated Procedures/ protocols and equipment are in place Well trained and committed staff Monitoring procedures in place aided by stakeholders Rapid response team in place for new sightings Toolbox generated to combat AIS WEAKNESS Little by way of direct funding Financial insecurity Lack of policy to support AIS Lack of implementation of existing legislation Lack of formal / legal basis for Biosecurity Temporary funding streams identified Key stakeholders aware of the importance of AIS Project has opened international doors in relation to skills and knowledge transfer Development of all-ireland AIS policy now recognised as being essential Increased participation of stakeholders Policy development with key national and international agencies at project conference OPPORTUNITIES Stakeholders that are unaware of the dangers and consequences of AIS Lack of national biosecurity measures Lack of all-ireland biosecurity measures Potential for new introductions of AIS Moratorium on public agency recruitment THREATS Toolbox developed to inform the After-Life programme in Lough Corrib and in the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation Lough Corrib - knowledge of biology, ecology and invasive traits of Curly-leaved waterweed - knowledge of detailed distribution of Curly-leaved waterweed in the lake - strategic programme for year-round Curly-leaved waterweed control in the lake - operating programme for use of V-blades - operating programme for jute mat laying in deep and shallow areas - rapid reaction capability for new infestations - trained, skilled and experienced staff (both IFI and contractors) Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation knowledge of status and distribution of invasive species in system control methods established for all riparian invasive species potential to use biological agent to control Himalayan balsam (with CABI International) control methods established for AIS (Nuttall s pondweed, New Zealand pigmyweed) studies on Asian clam ongoing (IT Sligo, University College Cork (UCC), Queen University Belfast (QUB)) Weed control incorporated into Waterways Ireland s (WI) annual work plans, supported by IFI Resources in place to support After-Life programme in Lough Corrib and Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation purpose-built weed cutting and harvesting boats on Lough Corrib purpose-modified boat for jute mat laying survey boats for Lough Corrib and Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation outboard motors to power the above craft containment nets to retain fragments scuba diving equipment and compressor purpose-built wet lab and project office 6

7 Biosecurity The biosecurity practices developed have far wider application than in the project areas. Invasive species disinfection best practice has been demonstrated at major angling and boating events. This has been supported by a number of angling federations and the Irish Underwater Council. 2. Define the After-LIFE objectives and methodology Objectives 1. Administrative objectives a) Maintain AIS control operations in Lough Corrib and the Grand Canal-Barrow Navigation. b) Future funding is the big challenge to resolve. It is therefore essential that funding to support the AIS activities is sourced from national and international organisations. c) Work within the guidelines of the Irish Government moratorium on recruitment whilst achieving our objectives. d) Continue to encourage AIS biosecurity among stakeholders and the general public. e) Continue to promote AIS awareness among stakeholders and the general public via the resources produced by CAISIE. 2. Conservation objectives a) Lough Corrib is a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area. Therefore, the conservation plan must tackle any manageable AIS threats to uphold this status. It should also aim to prevent any further degradation in Water Framework Directive status and aim to improve the present ecological status from moderate to at least good by b) Continue to manage Curly-leaved waterweed to prevent it re-establishing in treated areas, further reduce its present abundance and continue to maintain it below manageable levels (less than <10 ha). c) Stop Curly-leaved waterweed spreading to the lower lake. Treat any new infestations to minimise the impact to native habitat and biodiversity. d) Maintain AIS control operations on the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation. Continue to treat all Knotweed and Giant hogweed sites as required. Continue the New Zealand pigmyweed eradication programme. 3. Core management objectives a) Increase stakeholder awareness on the importance of AIS and biosecurity. b) Maintain vigilance in the core CAISIE areas (Lough Corrib and Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation) and continue the work of CAISIE in invasive species control and research. c) Support and continue to develop the biological control research on Curly-leaved waterweed. d) Explore the potential of biocontrol to control Himalayan balsam, in collaboration with CABI International. e) Secure reliable funding to control the remaining Curly-leaved waterweed sites on Lough Corrib (discussions have taken place with stakeholders to try to secure funding e.g. with NPWS and Galway County Council). f) Continue consultations with WI and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI) to address recreational boating as a vector in navigable waterways. 7

8 4. Advanced management objectives a) Obtain all-ireland legislation to mitigate against the importation, and accidental and intentional introductions of AIS. b) Maintain and increase North-South cooperation on AIS issues on the island of Ireland to the extent of common action designation and coordination. c) Develop and implement customs awareness and policing of AIS introductions into Ireland d) Further develop and implement national biosecurity measures. e) Maintain and develop further links with CABI International in relation to biocontrol. 8

9 Methodology It is the aim of the After-LIFE Conservation Plan and IFI to fulfil the above objectives. However, the objectives will require a significant commitment not only from IFI, but will also involve input from a network of State agencies, Semi-state bodies, universities, recreational stakeholder organisations and private companies (Figure 1). Funding will be key to this, and a major necessity of this program will be the acquisition of funding from both national and international sources, possibly including the EU. The IFI Corporate Plan states that As a lead agency, IFI will lead the protection of the aquatic environment from the introduction and spread of invasive species. Measures to achieve this will include the development and implementation of national policies, supporting legislation, education, applied research and eradication programmes. IFI is committed to working with other stakeholders and agencies in delivering a consistent national approach to tacking this serious threat. Inland Fisheries Ireland has already assumed responsibility for AIS and AIS monitoring in Ireland. The recent CAISIE/FINS conference was testament to the long-term commitment of IFI to being an active participant in national and international AIS issues. This conference brought together national and international invasive species experts with the aim of identifying priority issues and informing both national and international policy development. Due to the moratorium on recruitment in the public sector it was not possible to maintain the full CAISIE Project team after the LIFE + Project ended. However, the Project Leader (Dr Caffrey) will continue to maintain his responsibility for AIS within IFI, with the assistance of existing staff in the Invasive Species Section (ISS). The expertise gained during the project will continue to provide a valuable resource for the scientific staff in IFI. The project has also increased the capability of regional IFI staff to manage the threat from AIS. As a result IFI is in a position to continue to provide ongoing Operations and Research support and direction in this regard. Control action plan for Curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib Background Curly-leaved waterweed was originally introduced to Ireland via the horticultural industry as an oxygenating plant for artificial watercourses. The first confirmed sighting of Curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib was in Rinnerroon Bay in the north-west of the lake in April This was the first time it was recorded in the wild in Ireland. Since 2005, the weed has expanded its range throughout the upper and middle sections of the lake, typically colonising shallow sheltered bays (< 6 metres water depth) and near-shore areas. In 2008, just prior to the commencement of the CAISIE LIFE+ project, Curly-leaved waterweed had established viable populations at 113 separate sites, infesting a total area of 92 hectares. During the CAISIE project three principal methods were developed to control the growth and spread of Curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib. In the initial stages of the weed control programme, other control methods were explored (e.g. plastic benthic barriers) but these 9

10 exhibited limited success and were abandoned. The three main methods used were lightexclusion using jute matting, mechanical cutting using trailing knives or V-blades, and manual removal by scuba divers via hand-picking. The lower lake of Lough Corrib, which is highly susceptible to invasion due to its shallow character and high native plant diversity, remains free of the weed to date. By the conclusion of the Life+ CAISIE Project, the weed control team had removed nuisance growths of this highly invasive weed from over 90 % of the previously infested lake area and brought the infestation to manageable levels (< 10 hectares). By January 2013 only 9 hectares of lake bed that supports stands of this invasive weed remained to be treated. After-LIFE Control operations conducted during the project have cleared all of the large and dense Curlyleaved waterweed stands that previously infested significant areas of the lake. This action has substantially reduced the biomass of weed that is available to infest the vulnerable lower lake and other uninfested lakes in Ireland. Inland Fisheries Ireland has in place a weed control team that is now sufficiently resourced to manage and control Curly-leaved waterweed in the lake. Monitoring will be conducted by IFI staff on the lake and by the weed control team. Inland Fisheries Ireland has staff that are based on Lough Corrib on a permanent basis and are continuously monitoring the lake. An open line of communication between the stakeholders that are aware of the threats posed by Curly-leaved waterweed and the IFI has been established. These monitoring procedures will identify any further areas to be treated and identify new stands, should they appear. The rapid reaction capability of the team remains in place. This link between the stakeholder and the rapid reaction capability of the control team has already proved successful in preventing the movement of Curly-leaved waterweed into the lower lake. The Curly-leaved waterweed control toolbox that was developed during the CAISIE project will continue to operate. Areas that are infested with Curly-leaved waterweed will be cut and harvested during winter and spring and treated with jute matting in summer and autumn. In addition, where new infestations of Curly-leaved waterweed are recorded, particularly in areas proximal to the lower lake, these will be eradicated with immediate effect using the same approach. The potential for biocontrol will continue to be evaluated. Inland Fisheries Ireland staff will continue to monitor the distribution of New Zealand pigmyweed in the lake and Himalayan Balsam in the catchment. Funding has been secured to continue weed control operations in These operations will use the existing contractors and vessels that have been utilised to good effect during the CAISIE LIFE + project. Long-term funding is difficult to secure at present and, as a result, it has been necessary to seek more short-term funding to ensure that the weed control work will continue. Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue to explore new funding opportunities and seek to set in place more long-term arrangements. Key Priorities Prevent the re-establishment of Curly-leaved waterweed in treated areas and reduce existing infestation levels throughout the lake. Prevent the further spread of Curly-leaved waterweed outside its current distribution in Ireland s inland waterways. Continue biosecurity awareness programmes with stakeholders. 10

11 Continue to liaise with key stakeholders to develop biosecurity protocols in affected areas. Keep up to date with new developments in international AIS control, including biocontrol. 11

12 Control action plan for Asian Clam Background Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) is considered one of the most notorious AIS in the world. The Asian clam can grow in high abundance, blocking water abstraction pipes, clogging fish spawning grounds and seriously reducing the planktonic food required for fish and invertebrates. It was discovered in Ireland in April 2010 in the lower River Barrow. Subsequent studies by the CAISIE team confirmed that it was present in an 18 km stretch from New Ross to St. Mullin's, obtaining maximum densities of almost 18,000 clams per m 2. It has since been recorded in the lower River Nore and in the River Shannon system. Asian clam dredging trials (box, hydraulic and electric) were undertaken in the lower River Barrow Navigation to target the extensive Asian clam populations in this section of the river. Results indicated that this control approach may prove to be an effective means of treating dense Asian clam infestations in future. Benthic barrier trials (using jute matting and plastic sheets with or without rock salt) were conducted on the Asian clam in this watercourse, but were adversely impacted by the strong tidal character of the river and provided no conclusive results. After-LIFE At present IFI are actively engaged with third level institutions (i.e. a MSc in UCC, a PhD in IT Sligo and a PhD in QUB) to study the biology of the Asian clam, with a view to further explore effective control methods and the efficacy of disinfection. Inland Fisheries Ireland research and regionally based staff will continue to investigate practical methods to control Asian clam. Until effective methods to control Asian clam have been developed IFI s priority will be to contain Asian clam where it currently resides and to stop its further spread within Ireland. Inland Fisheries Ireland are liaising closely with key stakeholders and WI, to develop biosecurity protocols for boats moving through the Barrow system and throughout Irish waterways. This will help stop the spread of invasive species throughout watercourses in the country. Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue biosecurity awareness programmes with stakeholders, individual anglers, angling clubs and angling federations throughout Ireland. Key Priorities Contain Asian clam within its current distribution in Ireland s inland waterways. Continue to fund and engage with third level institutions carrying out Asian clam research. Continue biosecurity awareness programme with stakeholders. Liaise with key stakeholders to develop biosecurity protocols in affected areas. Keep up to date with international developments in control methods including the potential for biocontrol. 12

13 Control action plan for Himalayan balsam Background Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) reduces soil stability along river banks when the plant dies back in winter. This can result in an increased sediment input to a river which can detrimentally alter the character of the aquatic habitat. It out-competes native plants. It is possible to eradicate Himalayan balsam from infested river catchments because its morphology and life cycle display a number of weaknesses that are uncharacteristic of other such high profile invasive species. These include the following: The plant has an annual life cycle, meaning it germinates, grows, flowers, seeds and dies in the one year. The plant has a shallow root ball so is easily manually removed by hand-pulling. The majority of the seeds germinate after one year and seeds are the only propagation method of this species. Ideally, Himalayan balsam control should be undertaken from mid-may to the end of June, well before the seed capsules appear. As research has shown that the seeds present in the soil can remain viable for up to two years, repeated control over a number of years in the target area is required to achieve eradication. The plant has rapidly spread extensively through the Barrow Navigation and was recorded in high abundance at 65 sites along 56 km of channel. Himalayan balsam populations remain extensive in the Barrow Navigation, from Carlow downstream to St. Mullin s and are beyond traditional control. However, extensive community-based hand-picking operations (Himalayan balsam bashes) were successfully conducted at infested sites in its upper range of distribution, upstream of Carlow town, to successfully contain its further upstream spread. After-LIFE IFI will continue to control/eradicate and Himalayan balsam) stands that appear north of Maganey, Co. Kildare (8 km south of Athy). The level of infestation of Himalayan balsam south of this area is beyond the practical wide-scale control capabilities of IFI staff and stakeholders. In order to develop an effective control approach to Himalayan balsam in this (and other) areas in Ireland, IFI is currently working closely with CABI International, who are at an advanced stage of developing a biocontrol agent for this invasive species. Inland Fisheries Ireland will assist in any biocontrol trials that CABI will conduct in Ireland. Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue to develop and disseminate targeted biosecurity programmes to educate and create an awareness of Himalayan balsam among stakeholders. Key Priorities Contain Himalayan balsam within its current distribution on the Barrow Navigation. Continue stakeholder awareness programmes and facilitate balsam bashes. Keep up to date with international developments in control methods including potential for biocontrol. 13

14 Capacity needs of the project team Due to the funding provided by the CAISIE LIFE+, IFI are now in an excellent resource position to fulfil its AIS remit. The provision of equipment such as the weed control boats, diving equipment, a 4x4 vehicle and the expertise gained by the CAISIE staff and control team were essential in providing the tools with which IFI can tackle AIS in Ireland. Through the CAISIE Project, IFI have produced a range of AIS disinfection guidelines for stakeholders and carried out numerous biosecurity demonstrations at stakeholder events. Based on this, IFI will continue to encourage, promote and support the adoption of biosecurity among stakeholders through the circulation of AIS materials developed during the project and interaction with stakeholders at relevant events. However, the current Irish Government moratorium on recruitment will pose a threat to the future development of AIS control and monitoring programmes. Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue to seek to develop and expand the AIS programme in Ireland, while remaining within moratorium guidelines. Increasingly IFI will need to depend on volunteers and encourage the ownership of biosecurity practices by stakeholder groups such as anglers. With limited funding to provide dedicated personnel this will be a huge challenge. Institutional issues The relationships with institutional and individual stakeholders built up during the CAISIE project will be maintained and expanded in order to achieve the goals of the After-Life Conservation Plan. The CAISIE project established a communication network between key stakeholders and this has formed a stable foundation for future communication, engagement and interaction for AIS action planning and policy development. As the lead agency for AIS in Ireland, IFI will continue to provide an active management role with key stakeholders, providing support and guidance where needed, in addition to providing expert advice in relation to policy development for AIS in Ireland and internationally. Inland Fisheries Ireland are currently working with the NPWS and the Department of Agriculture on developing and establishing a formal process to introduce biocontrol, so that swift action can be taken when effective biocontrol procedures and methods are in place for species such as the Asian clam and Curly-leaved waterweed. Inland Fisheries Ireland will continue to support universities to carry out applied research on AIS. Inland Fisheries Ireland are also currently working with WI as regards the control of AIS in the navigable canals and Barrow system; with angling groups (Irish Angling Development Alliance, National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland) to promote angling biosecurity; and with the IWAI to promote boating biosecurity. Political and social challenges Currently in Ireland the problem of AIS is exacerbated by the fact that the horticultural and pet trade continue to introduce non-native and potentially invasive aquatic species into Ireland, with no restriction. Invasive weeds such as Curly-leaved waterweed and Nuttall s pondweed used as oxygenating plants in domestic ponds pose a significant reservoir for future AIS invasions in inland waterways. Yet there is no policy enacted to restrict their movement and there is still limited stakeholder knowledge of the danger of these types of species. Inland Fisheries Ireland will be working with stakeholder groups to improve this situation and restrictions on the introduction of AIS into Ireland will form an integral part of IFI s approach in future. Inland Fisheries Ireland is currently discussing the development of policy to restrict the movement of potential AIS into and within Ireland with the Irish and Northern Ireland customs authorities. The CAISIE/FINS Conference also focused heavily on AIS policy development and obstacles to implementation. 14

15 CAISIE After LIFE Driving Policy on AIS and Biosecurity Curly-leaved waterweed in Lough Corrib Inland Fisheries Ireland Invasive Species in the Grand Canal and Barrow Navigation Stakeholder Engagement, Education & Awareness and Dissemination Galway County & City Councils National Parks and Wildlife Service Office of Public Works University College Dublin (Biocontrol) Waterways Ireland National Parks and Wildlife Service Figure 1 Organogram of the CAISIE After-LIFE Conservation Plan. 15

16 3. Identify the funding needs and the sources of funds As the lead agency for AIS in Ireland, IFI will continue to take responsibility to protect the aquatic environment from the introduction and spread of invasive species. However, under current financial conditions, including the Government recruitment embargo, the full implementation of the After-LIFE Conservation Plan will be a significant challenge. Nevertheless, IFI is committed to this. However, the level and speed at which IFI is able to commit and the resources the agency will be able to put in place will be totally dependent on the funding resources made available to IFI. The agency will actively seek out national and international sources of funding to supplement allocated resources. The funding of the control team on Lough Corrib will be on an annual basis. Commitment has been given by the NPWS for 50,000, the Office of Public Works for 40,000 and Galway County Council for 40,000 to IFI to fund the Curly-leaved waterweed control on Lough Corrib for Funding commitments are currently being sought for Inland Fisheries Ireland have alerted Waterways Ireland to the fact that there are current and pending problems from invasive species in Ireland s navigable waterways. These problems if left unchecked will impact on water based activities, which is the responsibility of Waterways Ireland. Waterways Ireland has committed to fund IFI to research and manage AIS as part of a programme of works on the Grand Canal, Royal Canal, Barrow Navigation and the Shannon-Erne Waterway in