Invasive Species Northern Ireland > What can I do? > Check Clean Dry > Guidance for Divers

Guidance for Divers

All amateur/pleasure and commercial divers have an important role to play in the identification of new INNS incursions and also to prevent their spread.

  1. All companies and dive clubs should provide biosecurity guidance to their staff and members

  2. They should also raise awareness of key INNS and encourage reporting particularly adjacent to wash down facilities

  3. Place visual aids in mess rooms and offices to aid identification

  4. Encourage an open culture of reporting amongst staff/members including photographing and recording lat/long of sightings of unusual species (N.B. the iRecord App will determine the location for you)

  5. When diving, the following actions should be undertaken but only when safe to do so:                                                                                             N.I. Marine INNS ID Guide
      • Watch out for invasive species: ID Guide to Marine Invasive Species in Northern Ireland
      • When diving inspections are made to check the physical integrity of submerged marine infrastructure –  commercial divers could take the opportunity to undertake a biofouling survey – if video or photographs are taken load them up to iRecord App for expert verification
      • Also report any heavily fouled vessels observed, there could be invasive species present
      • Do not interfere with invasive species: fragments can break off and can be carried to new areas-  If sampling species ensure that no fragments are lost
      • Photograph species in-situ to aid accurate identification

6. When you have finished your dive:

      • Remove all plant, animal debris that may have become lodged on your diving equipment – even tiny plant fragments could be home to larvae of invasive species
      • Be careful that no hitchhikers tag along when you leave the water
      • Ensure that any animal and plant material found is disposed of in the bin where it can not return to the aquatic environment
      • Ensure mud is washed off your wetsuit with freshwater and that your suit is allowed to dry for a period of 48 hr before moving to another water body. – remember that some invasive species can be/have microscopic life stages and are invisible to the naked eye
      • Dry your diving equipment for as long as possible after diving near or in an infected waterbody
      • Report all suspected sightings online @Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR)– Or via the iRecord App
                                  DONT FORGET TO CHECK CLEAN DRY!!!
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Invasive Species Northern Ireland

Invasive Species Northern Ireland