Check, Clean, Dry – Materials available to Angling Clubs

The National Biodiversity Data Centre has a number of initiatives aimed at protecting Ireland’s biodiversity. One programme seeks to tackle the problem of invasive species, something that poses a serious threat to our environment, including all our waterways. Over the next while, we’ll be featuring some content from the NBDC, aimed at engaging and informing anglers about invasive species and what we can do to combat their spread. In the message below they urge clubs to make use of some freely available informative materials.

 

Help spread the word, not the invasives!

Invasive species can harm native wildlife, spread diseases that kill fish, and obstruct waterways and banks. Contaminated fishing gear, boats, and equipment can introduce these species to new water bodies. Many invasive plants and animals are tiny, difficult to detect, and capable of surviving for weeks on damp gear and equipment.

Building awareness of the issue and the ways in which we can take action is essential to stopping the spread of invasive species. Anglers can play a key role in this effort by helping to share and follow the Check, Clean, Dry message.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre has provided a range of guidance and awareness-raising materials for anglers and other water users on Invasives.ie. These resources can be printed and shared by your club or at events to provide guidance on how water users can minimise their risk of spreading invasive species to new waterbodies and to raise awareness around the potential impact of these species in Irish aquatic environments.

You can download these free materials for your club, local community and event at the link: https://invasives.ie/resources/check-clean-dry-resources/

If you require high-quality print-ready versions of any of the materials, please email invasives@biodiversityireland.ie