Predictions for the spread, population density, and impacts of Corbicula fluminea in Ireland

Frances Lucy,Lyubov Burlakova,Alexander Karatayev

doi:10.3391/ai.2012.7.4.003

Abstract

In 2010, the Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, was found for the first time in Ireland. The species is considered to be one of the most aggressive freshwater invaders causing strong economic and ecological impacts. This paper provides predictions for the spread, population density, and impacts of Corbicula fluminea in Ireland. Water chemistry datasets from the Republic of Ireland and from Northern Ireland were analysed to determine suitable waters for colonisation. Only 3 rivers and 6 lakes have pH levels considered too low (<5.6) for invasion of this species. Corbicula fluminea densities within a waterbody will depend on suitable substrate and food availability, with greater populations in canals, rivers and lakes with a higher trophic level. Boating and angling are likely to be the highest vectors of spread. Redevelopment of any canal sections will require risk assessment, to minimise spread. Corbicula is likely to cause negative economic effects by creating blockages in drinking and industrial water

Highlights

The Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea Muller, 1774) (Figure 1) native to southern and eastern Asia, Australia, and Africa became highly invasive in the 20th century
C. fluminea is known to occur in the rivers Barrow, Nore (Caffrey et al 2011) and Shannon, all in the Republic of Ireland
The goals of this study are to predict the spread of C. fluminea across the island of Ireland (Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI)), their potential population densities and economic and ecological impacts

Summary

Introduction

The Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea Muller, 1774) (Figure 1) native to southern and eastern Asia, Australia, and Africa became highly invasive in the 20th century (reviewed in McMahon 1999; Karatayev et al 2007). In Europe C. fluminea has already colonized France (Marescaux et al 2010), Portugal, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands (reviewed in McMahon 1999), Spain (Lois 2010), Hungary (Csanyi 1998–1999), Moldova (Munjiu and Shubernetski 2010), Serbia (Paunović et al 2007), Britain (Howlett and Baker 1999), and in 2010 Asian clam was found for the first time in Ireland (Sweeney 2009). C. fluminea is known to occur in the rivers Barrow, Nore (Caffrey et al 2011) and Shannon (pers. obs.), all in the Republic of Ireland (http://www.fisheriesireland.ie)

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Conclusion