William has a PhD from University College Dublin in aquatic weed control and BSc in Environmental Biology, also from UCD. He explored the potential for a biological control program targeting Lagarosiphon major, one of the worst aquatic invaders in Ireland and around the world

We would like to welcome a new member, Dr William Earle, to the INVAS Biosecurity team. Willie has a PhD from University College Dublin in aquatic weed control and BSc in Environmental Biology, also from UCD. He explored the potential for a biological control program targeting Lagarosiphon major, one of the worst aquatic invaders in Ireland and around the world. This involved native range surveys of Lagarosiphon throughout Southern Africa across a range of seasons. The results of this research found several promising biocontrol candidates and two insect species new to science were discovered. Throughout his study he was responsible for operations and management of the quarantine facility at UCD.

As the Research Project Coordinator for the Applied Environmental Science Master’s program at UCD he was responsible for directing operations on a wide range of research projects. From this he has gained experience in the field working on several invasive vertebrates, invertebrates and plant species in Ireland and abroad. Willie has worked overseas with the conservation group Operation Wallacea in Indonesia. Having previously worked as a volunteer on the program, he was invited to return as a Field Ecology Lecturer. With a team of leading international scientists he carried out field surveys on botanical, herpetological, avian and mammalian projects. As part of his role he lectured students from around the world in biogeography, local biodiversity and regional conservation programs. Willie has  captained Lansdowne FC and also played international rugby for the Irish club’s team in recent years.

“I am extremely excited by this new position with INVAS. I am looking forward to working with and learning from some of the individuals and organisations on the frontline in terms of combatting invasive species in Ireland.”

Find out more about William on his LinkedIn profile.

INVAS Biosecurity would like to thank Dublin City Council for inviting us along to the Rose Festival and Niamh Ni Cholmain for her help on the 16th and 17th July. The event was a credit to all those involved and everything was helped along by the fine weather.

A keen interest in invasive species was shown by those attending from the general public. Information was available from the INVAS Biosecurity  stand on several high profile invaders. Live displays and artificial models of Himalayan balsam, Giant Hogweed and our least favorite Japanese knotweed, but to name a few were on display. We also had several aquatic alien invaders such as Crassula helmsii, Elodea nutallii and Lagarosiphon major.

There was great interest in learning about the key features and impacts associated with some of the most problematic species. The plants were collected and disposed of while adhering to strict protocol by INVAS Biosecurity staff.

While we all have been waiting a long time for this important EU Regulation to be implemented, INVAS has some concerns regarding the actual species that are not included in the short (37) list

INVAS Biosecurity is pleased to learn that, at last, the EU has adopted the list of invasive alien species of Union concern (i.e. those that require action across all Member States in the EU). The actual Regulation (No. 1143/2014) will come into force some 12 days after the publication of this list, which is towards the end of July 2016.

While we all have been waiting a long time for this important EU Regulation to be implemented, INVAS has some concerns regarding the actual species that are not included in the short (37) list. It is clear to all those who work closely with invasive species, in Ireland and elsewhere, that a number of key invasives are not included here. Still, this is not a time to be moaning and it has been made clear that the list will be updated, as deemed necessary. Let’s hope that some of the species not listed but that are currently impacting on biodiversity and ecosystem function (e.g. Elodea nuttallii, Crassula helmsii and of course the knotweed species, among others) will find their way onto the updated lists.

Dr Joe Caffrey and Tom Donovan of INVAS Biosecurity presenting an INVAS Disinfection Station to Pauric Kelly (Chairman of the Edenderry Coarse Angling Club) for use at the Edenderry Coarse Angling Championships in June 2015.