Protecting our waterways through water sport biosecurity
New toolkit published to support water sport clubs and event organisers in strengthening biosecurity to protect our waterways
The ‘Biosecurity at water sport events’ toolkit, on how biosecurity at water sport events can help reduce the spread of invasive species, was launched at Galway City Museum on September 3rd. Invasive species can affect our waterways, and the activities that depend on them, by altering habitats and in some cases, restricting navigation and recreational access. The effects of zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) have already been felt in Lough Erne, where our native swan mussel populations have been driven to near extinction, and their filter feeding mechanism has supported the increase of algal growth in areas such as Lough Neagh. The water sport community can play an important role in protecting the places where people enjoy their sport.
Curly waterweed removal at Lough Corrib, Co. Galway, where thick mats had blocked access, making navigation difficult. Considerable public money has been spent on managing the waterweed, to protect the recreational value of the lake. © Inland Fisheries Ireland
The toolkit turns the principles of biosecurity into simple, practical actions that clubs and event organisers can build into every event level, from the activities of small local clubs to large international competitions. At its heart is the simple ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ approach: checking equipment and clothing, cleaning thoroughly, and allowing them to dry before moving between waterbodies.
Developed by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, the 32-page ‘Biosecurity as water sport events’ publication aims to make biosecurity an everyday part of water sports, whether you’re an occasional kayaker or the organisers of a large water sport event.
Chantel Carr, Biosecurity and Citizen Science Officer at the National Biodiversity Data Centre, said: “To encourage good biosecurity, you don’t need to be an invasive species expert or completely change the way you operate as a watersport club. Start simple with Check Clean Dry, make others aware, and build one or two simple actions into what you already do. Protecting our waterways cannot be the responsibility of one organisation or one sector. It is something we can work on together. The response and collaboration at today’s event showed exactly what is possible when we share knowledge, practical tools and a common goal”.
The toolkit was developed through the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative, with the support of the Watersport Biosecurity Working Group, which includes Canoeing Ireland, Irish Sailing, Diving Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Paddle Northern Ireland, Leave No Trace, the Outdoor Recreation Officer Network and local watersport clubs.
To download the Biosecurity for Water sport Events toolkit visit: invasives.ie/checkcleandry/events/
Notes to Editor
CONTACTS
Juanita Browne, Communications Officer, National Biodiversity Data Centre
jbrowne@biodiversityireland.ie 086-195 5073
Interviews are available with Chantel Carr, Biosecurity and Citizen Science Officer, National Biodiversity Data Centre
INVASIVE SPECIES
Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to our waterways, because they:
- reduce our ability to access and enjoy waterways for sport and recreation.
- slow down the flow of rivers and increase flood risk.
- negatively impact both human and the environmental health by reducing water quality
To find out more visit:
Invasive Species in Ireland: invasives.ie
Northern Ireland: invasivespeciesni.co.uk
National Biodiversity Data Centre: biodiversityireland.ie
The new Biosecurity Toolkit for Watersport Events can be downloaded at: https://invasives.ie/checkcleandry/events/
Curly waterweed removal at Lough Corrib. Photo credit Inland Fisheries Ireland
Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)
Biosecurity champions volunteering to facilitate a wash-down station for kayakers
The Watersport Biosecurity Working Group led by Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species project. Front, from left to right: David Abbott- Waterford Sports Partnership, Colum McCaffery- Irish Sailing, Ross Kenny- Meath Local Sports Partnership, Mark Noble- Longford Sports Partnership, Gerard Lovett- Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership. Front, from left to right: Oonagh Healy- Irish Sailing, Maura Kiely- Leave No Trace, Chantel Carr- National Biodiversity Data Centre, Jessica O’Keefe- Clare Sports Partnership, Kieran Rielly- Mayo Sports Partnership.
More on launch:
The launch brought together a diverse range of people with a shared connection to our waters. The programme included inspiring presentations and practical examples of biosecurity in action. Mark O’Connor of Donegal Bay Trust highlighted the importance of protecting native wildlife and the remarkable marine life found around our coastline. Chris Scott, Blueways Manager, explored the role of biosecurity within the Blueways Accreditation Scheme, while Aobhín Ní Bhroin, a Biosecurity Champion, shared her experience supporting biosecurity within Canoeing Ireland and at kayaking events.
The event provided an opportunity for clubs, event organisers, environmental organisations and public bodies to share experiences, learn from one another and identify practical ways to strengthen biosecurity across the sector. The response and collaboration at the event showed exactly what is possible when we share knowledge, practical tools and a common goal.
As more people enjoy the island of Ireland’s waterways there is a growing opportunity for the watersport community to play a leading role in protecting these environments.
FUNDING
Thank you to the funders of the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species project. The five-year initiative is funded by the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island Initiative; the Northern Ireland Environment Agency; and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The initiative is also co-funded and implemented by the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
About The National Biodiversity Data Centre
The National Biodiversity Data Centre works to make biodiversity data and information more freely available in order to better understand and assist the protection of Ireland’s biodiversity. We lead the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species project, which aims to strengthen cross-border efforts in monitoring, early detection, and rapid response across aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. By adopting a Shared Island approach, the initiative seeks to reduce the financial burden on both administrations, north and south.
About the Water Sport Biosecurity Working Group
The Water Sport Biosecurity Working Group established by the National Biodiversity Data Centre through the Shared Island Biosecurity and Invasive Species Initiative, provides independent, technical and practical advice to support the development and delivery of biosecurity measures within the water sport sector. The group aims to strengthen collaboration with relevant organisations to support knowledge sharing and coordinated action. The group comprises representatives of national governing water sport bodies, outdoor recreation organisations and local groups. Members of the group: Canoeing Ireland, Irish Sailing, Diving Ireland, Rowing Ireland, Leave No Trace, Outdoor Recreation Officers of County Longford, Clare, Sligo, Waterford, Meath and Mayo, Medbh’s Dragon Warriors, Sligo Rowing Club and Paddle Northern Ireland.
Thanks to North Wales Wildlife Trust and Paddle UK, for sharing text to produce this guide.
