Latest news with #InvasiveSpeciesWeek
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
War on invasive species in Waterford to be in focus at Friday event
Ardmore Tidy Towns will host Dr Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O'Brien for the launch of their new book, Identification Guide to the Non-Native Invasive Plants of Britain and Ireland, on Friday, May 16, during Invasive Species Week. The launch takes place from 12pm to 3pm in the Round Tower Hotel, which includes a fieldtrip to local habitats. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. The afternoon will be filled with informative chats about the pressures of invasive plant species on Ireland's native flora, an insight into identification and an exploration of the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. Following the launch, attendees will take a trip through the habitats of the village with both experts, as they point out several species which are of concern in Ireland, whilst also highlighting the important habitats that occur within this area that sits alongside the Ardmore Head Special Area of Conservation. Cllr Declan Barry recently raised the issue of invasive species at Waterford Council. He said a person reported the growth of Japanese knotweed. Cllr Barry asked management how prevalent the weed is in Waterford, as it has started to encroach from public on to private land. Marina Mulligan, Waterford City and County Council's biodiversity officer, said: 'It is a privilege to have both experts working in Ardmore over the summer for what will undoubtedly be two impactful projects for the area – it is great to see the local community of Ardmore taking this initiative which will provide valuable information towards monitoring habitats at a county level. 'The impacts of invasive plants on natural habitats can be devastating as they outcompete native species. Due to their ability to spread quickly across an area, they can also reduce the diversity of plant life found within a habitat by reducing light and changing soil nutrients. 'This has knock-on consequences for insects, mammals, fish and birds who depend on certain plants for food, laying eggs or nesting. People may be aware of Japanese knotweed and rhododendron but may not be aware of many other species like three-cornered leek, American skunk cabbage and Nuttall's waterweed.' Over the coming months, both botanists will be working closely with the local community on two significant biodiversity projects for the area. The event is supported by Waterford City and County Council, the Heritage Council and the National Biodiversity Data Centre. The first will survey the flora of the Ardmore Cliff Walk funded under the NPWS Peatlands and Natura 2000 Community Engagement Fund, and the second will involve carrying out habitat surveys to produce a Community Biodiversity Action Plan for the village under Community Foundation Ireland's Biodiversity Fund. The schedule for Friday's event is as follows. 12pm – 12.10pm Welcome and introduction to the event with Marina Mulligan, WCCC biodiversity officer 12.10pm – 1pm Book launch and conversation with Dr Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O'Brien 1pm – 1.20pm Invasive Species Recording with Kate Moore, National Biodiversity Data Centre 1.30 – 3pm Fieldtrip: Discover the species and habitats of Ardmore with Dr. Fran Giaquinto, Phoebe O'Brien and Ardmore Tidy Town Committee.
CBS News
06-03-2025
- General
- CBS News
"Megalodon" goldfish caught in Pennsylvania shows how pets released into the wild can become invasive species
A massive "megalodon" of a goldfish caught in Presque Isle, Pennsylvania, is a good reminder of why people shouldn't release their pets into the wild, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says. The federal agency shared a photo of a gigantic goldfish, captioning it, "Your pet store goldfish after two years in the wild: 'Call me Megalodon.'" The post went viral, with over 15,000 likes and nearly 5,000 shares on Facebook. Your pet store goldfish after two years in the wild: 'Call me Megalodon.' This goldfish isn't supposed to be here. But... Posted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 The fish was found during an electrofishing survey in Presque Isle on Lake Erie, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shared it to raise awareness for Invasive Species Week. "This goldfish isn't supposed to be here. But someone released it, thinking they were being kind. Instead, they created an invasive problem that can last decades," the agency said. Why are goldfish considered an invasive species? While your goldfish may look tiny now, without a tank limiting its size, the Fish and Wildlife Service says it can balloon into a "football-sized" invader. The agency says a single goldfish released into the wild can grow to be up to 4 pounds. The bottom feeders stir up sediment, uproot plants and make the water murky, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and making it harder for native fish and plants to survive. Goldfish also breed quickly, and since they don't have natural predators in most North American waters, their populations can "explode," the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says. How do you get rid of a goldfish? "By making good choices with your pets, you can help protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands from long-term damage," the agency says on its website. "Releasing a pet to the wild is never the right thing. Most pets released to the wild do not survive, and many suffer before they die." If you don't want your goldfish anymore, try rehoming it, returning it to a pet store or calling an aquarium or rescue group. The website Don't Let It Loose helps owners find new homes for their pets.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Megalodon' goldfish found in Pennsylvania waterways
PRESQUE ISLE, Pa. (WTAJ) — 'Call me Megalodon,' the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) wrote about a massive pet goldfish found in Presque Isle this past week. While conducting an electrofishing survey, the USFWS came across a larger-than-life pet goldfish that someone released into the waterway, creating what they call an 'invasive problem.' Pennsylvania releases 2025 trout stocking schedule: what anglers need to know 'This goldfish isn't supposed to be here. But someone released it, thinking they were being kind,' they wrote in their post. 'Instead, they created an invasive problem that can last decades.' Goldfish can grow massive and wreak havoc in the wild, including stealing food from native fish, turning lakes and waterways into murky messes, and ruining water quality. Some goldfish can grow to four pounds if released in the wild. 'If you can't keep your fish, rehome it. Just don't let it loose,' they added along with the hashtag InvasiveSpeciesWeek. Officials also brought up that it's legal to use goldfish as live bait in 16 states, however, it is not legal in Pennsylvania, according to the PA you're looking to end things with your pet goldfish, the USFWS has a few tips to help you out with the big breakup. Click here to read more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
