Story | 19 10月, 2018

VIDEO: Using ecosystem-based management at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland

The Aquacross project brought together researchers and stakeholders connected with Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, to investigate the problem of invasive species threatening biodiversity and restricting recreational uses of the lake. In this video, those involved share their knowledge of the lake system and discuss ecosystem-based management measures to reduce the abundance and impact of invasive species.

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Lough Erne, Northern Ireland

Photo: VideoDrone Ireland

The Aquacross project studied the causes and impacts of invasive species, such as Nuttall’s waterweed (Elodea nuttallii), in Lough Erne, as well as other threats to biodiversity in different aquatic ecosystems across Europe. To reduce the problems that the Nuttall’s waterweed creates for recreational boating and fishing, a proposal was made to raise the water levels in the lough during summer. The stakeholder groups established by the Aquacross project will continue to discuss this and other options for improving the biodiversity, water quality and recreational value of the lake.

The video was screened during the Aquacross Final Conference, 'Ecosystem-Based Management for the Protection of Aquatic Biodiversity – Practice and Lessons Learnt', which took place on 10 and 11 October.

Dr Tim O'Higgins of University College Cork, the project lead for the Lough Erne case study, and Kerry Anderson, of the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, attended the screening and fielded questions from the audience.

Dr Higgins and Mr Anderson spoke of the value of the European projects, which bring together researchers from different parts of the EU to study concerns of common interest.

For more information, please see the Aquacross project Lough Erne case study: here.

Aquacross is a Horizon 2020 project which aims to support EU efforts to protect aquatic biodiversity and ensure the provision of aquatic ecosystem services. As such, the project seeks to advance knowledge and application of ecosystem-based management (EBM) for aquatic ecosystems to support the timely achievement of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets.

This video was created by the IUCN European Regional Office and VideoDrone Ireland, with thanks to Dr Tim O’Higgins, University College Cork, and the stakeholders involved.

EU flag       Photo: EU
AQUACROSS has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration under Grant Agreement no. 642317.