Alien species threatening ecology of Lough Derg

THE arrival of almost 20 alien species in Lough Derg has increased the risk of further unwanted invaders, which could change the entire ecology of the lake.

Marine biologist, Dr Dan Minchin, claimed the lake is in a state known scientifically as “invasional meltdown” — meaning other alien species’ arrivals can more easily establish themselves.

Over the past few years, the threat from invasive animal species such as the zebra mussel and invasive plants such as curly waterweed and nuttall’s waterweed has increased in Lough Derg.