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Project title

Prevention, control and eradication of invasive alien species

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Institute of Technology Sligo

Lead Applicant

Frances Lucy

Project Abstract

This research will inform on IAS prevention, control and eradication, key to the Sustainability Call, on managing, protecting and restoring our natural capital. The proposal involves collaboration between some of Ireland�s leading academics and practitioners dealing with invasive alien species (IAS) in Ireland - Frances Lucy (IT Sligo), Joe Caffrey (INVAS Biosecurity, formerly IFI) and Jaimie Dick (Queen�s University Belfast). Two PhD students will be supervised in the project delivery mechanism (Work Packages 1-4). Traditional literature review and innovative �horizon scanning� methodologies will be used to report on the present and future state of IAS in Ireland (WP 1). WP 2 will employ surveys and experiments to inform and improve biosecurity at potential IAS points of entry into Ireland, and also reduce secondary spread within the island. In WP3, rigorous field and laboratory experiments to optimise control and local eradication of two highly damaging invaders in Ireland, the terrestrial Winter heliotrope and freshwater Asian clam, will be used. The first will be targeted with herbicide and adjuvant combinations, and the second with novel deployment of dry ice pellets, following successful laboratory pilot studies by the applicants. WP4 will concentrate on communication for researchers, key stakeholders, policy makers and society. The project will positively impact on the Prevention, Control and Eradication of Invasive Alien Species in Ireland as policy makers, society, research community and key stakeholders become informed on key IAS issues delivered to them via user-friendly protocols, diverse communication modes and peer-reviewed publications. Outputs include: Final Report including: State of IAS in Ireland (WP1) Recommendations for biosecurity protocols at points of entry to Ireland (WP2) Control and management options for Winter heliotrope and Asian clam (WP3) Protocols (WP2 and 3) Publications (WP1, 2 and3) Assessment of IAS databases (WP4) Protocols Points-of-Entry to Ireland: biosecurity protocols and best practice (WP 2) Best practice guidelines for control of Winter heliotrope and Asian clam (WP 2 and 3) Protocols for specific control products(WP2) Communication Deliverables Project Webpage including updates (WP4) Workshop on horizon scanning (WP1) Biosecurity surveys (WP2) Press releases (WP1-4) IAS training tools (hard copy and electronic) (WP4) Social media (WP1-4) Conference presentations at national and international conferences (WP1-4) Media coverage (WP1-4) The project will deliver open-access peer-reviewed publications on: Horizon scanning workshop outputs (WP1) Biosecurity (surveys and experiments)(WP2) Control methods for Winter heliotrope and Asian clam (WP 3) Future-brief publication on the implementation of the EU IAS Regulation 1143/2014 (WP4)

Grant Approved

�319,985.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Natural capital and ecosystem services including soils and biodiversity

Start Date

01/03/2016

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/02/2019