Survey of Shetland Pondweed in Kindrum Lough and Coastal Lakes, County Donegal

This procurement seeks a specialist to conduct a comprehensive survey of Potamogeton rutilus (Shetland Pondweed) in Kindrum Lough, County Donegal, Ireland, and to perform preliminary searches for this species in other suitable coastal lakes throughout the county. Potamogeton rutilus was first discovered in Ireland at Kindrum Lough in August 2025, making this an important environmental baseline study. The species is a submerged aquatic plant that thrives in clean, moderately alkaline lakes and is naturally found in Scotland and northern Europe, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Poland. The successful contractor will need expertise in aquatic plant identification and survey methodology, familiarity with Irish lake ecosystems, and the ability to work in coastal environments. This survey will establish the current distribution and population status of this newly recorded species in Ireland, informing future conservation and monitoring efforts.