Water Users

Water users have a crucial role to play in the prevention and surveillance of invasive species.

• • Do not introduce non native species to the island of Ireland.
  • Keep up-to-date on invasive alien species, their impact and distribution in Ireland.
  • Keep ID guides on our most unwanted species.
  • Adopt practices that minimise the opportunities of spreading invasive species.
    • Inspect – remove – dispose – report. Removing build up of plants and animals from equipment is effective at preventing the opportunity of colonisation by invasive species. To prevent the spread of invasive species ensure you always follow these guidelines:
      • Clean all parts of equipment that comes into contact with the water.
      • Remove any visible plant, fish, animal matter and mud.
      • Do not move fouled equipment from one area to another.
      • Watch out for hitchhikers on ropes and chains.
      • Report sightings of our most unwanted species or any organism you suspect may be a high risk species. More information on these species can be found on www.invasivespeciesireland.com. Photographs can be submitted via the website.

Talk about invasive species. Talking about the impact invasive alien species have on the environment will help raise awareness of the issue and also inform others of their role in preventing the spread of high impact species.

Marine invasive species of concern

	Didemnum vexillum Common name: Carpet seasquirt Threat: Impact on aquaculture and fisheries, protected species and marine ecosystem functioning Status: Established invasive species Photo credit: USGS Find out more Google search Google image search
	Crepidula fornicata Common name: Slipper limpet Threat: Fisheries, protected species and marine ecosystem functioning Status: Established invasive species Photo credit: GB NNSS Find out more Google search Google image search
	Rapana venosa Common name: Asian rapa whelk Threat: Threatens marine ecosystem functioning Status: Potential invasive species Photo credit: Argyo Zenetos Find out more Google search Google image search

Freshwater invasive species of concern

	Hydrocotyle ranunculoides Common name: Floating pennywort Threat: Clogs waterways and negatively impacts on native species and ecosystems Status: Established invasive species Photo credit: John Early Find out more Google search Google image search
	Dreissena polymorpha Common name: Zebra mussel Threat: Fouling, negative impacts on native species and local extinction of unionids Status: Established invasive species Photo Credit: GB NNSS Find out more Google search Google image search
	Cercopagis pengoi Common name: Fishhook waterflea Threat: Threatens native ecosystems and species Status: Potential invasive species Find out more Google search Google image search

A summary of the recommended actions in the Water Users Code of Practice can be found using the following links:

• Anglers
• Divers
• Small Watercraft
• Leisure and Industrial Crafts
• Antifouling

You can download the Water Users Code of Practice parent document from the following link:

• Water Users Code of Practice