Aquatic Invaders

Anja Murray examines the potentially catastrophic impacts of alien aquatic invaders that have infested Ireland’s water bodies, and what we can do to contain the problem. Ireland’s rivers and lakes are a central part of our unique biodiversity and ecosystems. But with rapid globalization, we have seen a sharp rise in invasive species in our freshwater systems. From the zebra mussel and Asian clam to a mysterious plague targeting our native crayfish in the river Suir, the biology of some of our water bodies are changing at an alarming rate. But what do these invasive species actually mean for the ecosystems they colonize? In this episode Anja looks at the biological implications of such invasive species, and speaks to experts and anglers about the best way to contain these species without compromising Ireland’s natural ecosystem.