New App to Identify Invasive Species

A new smartphone app to help the aquaculture sector in Ireland identify invasive alien species is being trialled for the first time in Mulroy Bay, Co Donegal.

The app, developed by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s seafood development agency, helps users identify invasive alien species they should remain alert to.

Catherine Morrison, sustainability and certification manager at BIM said, “Invasive alien species present a major threat to biodiversity loss. An important part of BIM’s role in developing the Irish aquaculture sector is to work with operators to minimise the environmental impact and improve overall environmental performance of their operations. This app will help the aquaculture sector exchange information on any potential invasive alien species they encounter to help with their management.”

The app works by the user taking a photo of a suspected invasive alien species they discover. The location and other coordinates are captured by the app and the information is then sent to BIM to investigate further and if confirmed, catalogue.

Grainne Devine, BIM and Arjan Gittenberger, GiMaRIS, a specialist in ecological risk assessments, demonstrated the new app to father and son, Hugh and Johnny Wilhare, Mulroy Bay mussels, Cranford, Co Donegal who will be piloting the technology.

“The aim of the new app is to help the aquaculture sector in Ireland undertake more comprehensive risk assessments and to help strengthen their biosecurity plans,” said Ms Devine.

The new app will be launched and available for download in September 2019.

Source : World Fishing Aquaculture