Ahead of Invasive Species Awareness Week, (22 to 28 June), NI Water is calling on water users and boat owners to help stop the spread of invasive species following the detection of quagga mussels in Northern Ireland’s waterways. 

The quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), a highly invasive aquatic species, has already been recorded in the River Shannon system, including Lough Ree and Lough Derg, where it is present in significant numbers. With the Shannon-Erne Canal linking waterways, there is a risk the species could spread further into Lough Erne.

The quagga mussel closely resembles the zebra mussel, which spread rapidly across Ireland in the 1990s, causing considerable damage to aquatic ecosystems and clogging of water infrastructure.

NI water says additionally, the quagga mussel has caused havoc with screens, pipes and equipment used to abstract water for treatment.

To help prevent their spread, NI Water is encouraging everyone to follow the “Check, Clean, Dry” approach:

• Check: Inspect boats, equipment and clothing for dirt, plants or aquatic species. Remove anything found and leave it at the site. 
• Clean: Wash items thoroughly as soon as possible using hot water, paying attention to ropes, bilges, internal areas and hard-to-reach spaces. 
• Dry: Drain and dry everything fully before leaving. Where possible, allow items to air dry for at least 48 hours.

NI Water Catchment Manager Roy Taylor said: “Boating and other water activities are one of the main ways invasive species such as quagga mussels spread, as boats, trailers and equipment can carry them from one waterway to another.

“We have seen first-hand the impact that invasive species like the zebra mussel can have on our water environment and infrastructure. The emergence of the quagga mussel in connected waterways is of serious concern, and prevention is our most effective defence.

“Everyone who uses our rivers and lakes has a role to play in protecting them. By taking simple steps to check, clean and dry equipment, everyone can significantly reduce the risk of introducing and spreading this damaging species.”

NI Water continues to monitor the situation and is encouraging the public to report suspected sightings to the relevant environmental authorities.

 

Further information is available via https://invasivespeciesni.co.uk/.

 

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Notes to editors

• The first confirmed case in Northern Ireland was reported in Lower Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh in December 2025.
• Invasive Species Awareness Week 2026 takes place from 22 to 28 June, with organisations across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK coming together to raise awareness and encourage action to prevent the spread of invasive non-native species.

 

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via press.office@niwater.com