Targeted survey of rare aquatic plants of marl lakes and turloughs in Co.

The purpose of this request for quotation is to procure a specialist survey of aquatic plants in marl lakes and turloughs in the Burren area of Co. Clare and south-east Galway.

The aim is to improve recording of aquatic plants in these habitats, generally, and to target specific rare species, particularly Nitella tenuissima, in order to further elucidate their ecological requirements. The survey will target known sites for Nitella tenuissima, as well as other potential sites for the species.

It will combine revisits to marl lake and turlough sites studied by Roden et al. (2020), Goodwillie (1992) and others, with exploration of smaller lakes and pools that have no previous records for aquatic plants.

Surveyors may also target other freshwater habitats in the study area, particularly karst streams and rivers.