Training event on Lough Owel crayfish

Lake users are invited to partake in a free training event on biosecurity at Lough Owel Angling Centre.

As well as being a popular fishing and amenity site, Lough Owel holds the largest population of White Clawed Crayfish in the country. In fact, it is one of the most (if not the most) important sites for this species remaining in the world. But White Clawed Crayfish populations are threatened by Crayfish Plague.

What is Crayfish Plague, and what can we do about it?

For answers to these and more questions, lake users are invited to a the free training day on Thursday September 5 at Lough Owel Angling Centre 10.30 – 3pm.

Aquatic ecologists Ross Macklin and Bill Brazer, both of whom are keen anglers, have lined up a fun and informative day.

The day will include an introduction to Crayfish Plague; implications of disease spread and its effect on native crayfish, fish and lake ecology; biosecurity protocols for lake users; and a practical site visit to lake shore.

Those who attend the training day will receive Biosecurity certification. This event is supported by National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Westmeath County Council, Local Area Water and Community Office (LAWCO) and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

To book your place contact the Heritage Officer, Westmeath County Council : heritage@westmeathcoco.ie 044- 9332098