EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Chapter 6: Nature Invasive Alien Species Threats to nature and the economy from invasive species are increasing. Invasive alien species are species that have become problematic after they have been introduced (deliberately or accidentally) to places where they do not occur naturally. Increased trade, human movement, changes in land use and climate change mean that the risk of new invasive species arriving is high. They can have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife and habitats and are one of the top five causes of biodiversity loss across the globe (IPBES, 2019). The rate of spread of invasive species globally has not decreased in the last decade and may actually be increasing (Davis et al. , 2019). The National Biodiversity Action Plan (DCHG, 2017) highlighted that the occurrence and spread of invasive alien species in Ireland is increasing; indeed, the impact of invasive species on Ireland’s protected species is expected to increase over the next decade (NPWS, 2019). The annual cost of invasive species to Ireland’s economy is estimated to be over €200 million (Kelly et al. , 2013a) and this figure may increase with future introductions of invasive species. Invasive non-native species, such as the zebra mussel, grey squirrel and Pacific oyster, have displaced species naturally occurring in Ireland and damaged ecosystems. The rhododendron continues to threaten our oak woodlands, mink threaten ground-nesting birds and an increased number of water bodies are subject to crayfish plague (Topic Box 6.3). However, the increase in pine marten numbers has resulted in grey squirrel declines in recent years. The EU regulation on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species [Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014] was enacted in 2015. This regulation, among other things, put the responsibility on Member States to complete a risk assessment of which species might be a threat to their biodiversity. The National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC) maintains the National Invasive Species Database, which provides distribution information on invasive species. This work aims to facilitate the updating of risk assessments undertaken by Invasive Species Ireland (Kelly et al. , 2013b) and establish an early warning system to alert various stakeholders to new arrivals on the island of Ireland. Members of the public can submit records of invasive alien species and find advice on how to deal with them and prevent their spread on the NBDC website. 11 11 https://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/invasive-species/ Topic Box 6.3 Crayfish Plague and the White- clawed Crayfish The white-clawed crayfish ( Austropotamobius pallipes ) is a protected species of crustacean that is naturally occurring in Ireland and resembles a small lobster. It is widespread in rivers and lakes in Ireland. Ireland’s crayfish are especially vulnerable to a disease from North America called crayfish plague and outbreaks can cause their populations to collapse. Ireland is seen as a European stronghold of the species but there have been several confirmed outbreaks of crayfish plague in Ireland since 2015. The recent crayfish plague outbreaks are putting the future of this species in Ireland at risk. The Marine Institute and NPWS are undertaking a 2-year national crayfish plague surveillance programme (2018-2020) to investigate the spread of the disease (MI, 2019). What can you do? Those engaged in water activities should continue to be vigilant and do what they can to minimise the risk of spreading the disease. The single most effective action that can be taken is to follow the Check, Clean, Dry protocol before and after entering a watercourse: check that equipment, footwear and clothes are free from any plant material or other debris; clean them using the appropriate method; and leave them to dry for at least 48 hours. Further information on the Check, Clean, Dry protocol, as well as practical advice, can be found on the NBDC website. 12 Any suspected sightings of non-native crayfish or large numbers of dead white-clawed crayfish should be reported to the NBDC online. 13 12 http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/projects/invasive-species/crayfish- plague/ 13 https://records.biodiversityireland.ie/record/invasives 139