Lakes must be kept free of mussels, says councillor

A COUNCILLOR yesterday called for measures to prevent the infestation of Kerry waterways by the zebra mussel.

The discovery of the highly invasive mussel in some West of Ireland lakes is a major setback and could lead to a serious deterioration of those lakes.

So far, no evidence of the pest has been found in Kerry, but Killarney-based Cllr Michael Gleeson has called on Kerry County Council and the fishery board to provide decontamination units to remove the tiny mussels from the hulls of boats and equipment being transported from one area to another.

“A lot of craft are used for angling on Kerry lakes, which increases the risk of contamination. I believe action should be taken in the area where there is infestation,” he said.

“Lough Lein in Killarney is under enough pressure from pollution without having added difficulties imposed on it by zebra mussels.”

Two young zebra mussels were found during a summer monitoring programme in Lough Conn, in Mayo, carried out by the North Western Regional Fisheries Board.

But the species is so prolific that international experts believe the valuable water body will become seriously polluted.

Already, the mussels have invaded many lakes and rivers in the country, causing problems for fish life, angling, boaters and local authorities who are extracting water from those lakes.

Dr Francis Lucey, a leading expert in zebra mussels, at the Institute of Technology, Sligo, said it was most likely a small number were introduced to Lough Conn from a boat, either on the hull or attached to weeds on a trailer or engine.