Environment officials in Northern Ireland have issued a stark warning after confirming the first-ever discovery of the highly invasive quagga mussel in the region's waterways. The species was identified in Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, raising significant concerns for the area's already pressured freshwater ecosystems.
Discovery and Origin of the Threat
Samples collected by scientists from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) were confirmed through DNA analysis at Queen's University Belfast. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) stated that the small bivalve mollusc, which originates from Eastern Europe, has spread rapidly from its native Ukraine over recent decades.
It reached Britain in 2014 and was first recorded in the Republic of Ireland in Loughs Ree and Derg and the River Shannon system in 2021. Daera believes the arrival in Lough Erne most likely resulted from a connected invasion along the Shannon–Erne water corridor.
Ecological and Economic Dangers
The quagga mussel presents a dual threat. Ecologically, it can outcompete and displace native species, including the already problematic zebra mussel, by occupying a wider range of depths. This alters food webs and threatens native animals and plants.
Economically, the mussels are notorious for blocking water pipes, which can lead to flooding, contaminate water supplies, and cause costly damage to infrastructure through a process known as biofouling.
Call for Public Vigilance and Action
Environment Minister Andrew Muir described the discovery as adding "another significant pressure to our already beleaguered freshwater system." He emphasised that increased vigilance and surveillance are critical, with officials engaging with stakeholders and cross-border partners through the Shared Island Biosecurity Initiative.
Rose Muir of the NIEA invasive species team stressed that once established, there is no effective eradication method. The primary defence is to slow the spread through rigorous biosecurity. The public, especially boat users, anglers, and paddle sports enthusiasts, are urged to strictly follow the Check, Clean, Dry protocol when moving equipment between water bodies.
Dr Kevin Gallagher, senior scientific officer at AFBI, warned of the risk of rapid spread to connected systems like Lough Neagh. Surveillance is being expanded, and officials are assessing other waterways for potential sampling. Daera has indicated it is plausible the mussel is already present but undetected in intermediate waterbodies, including Upper Lough Erne.
