CrayWatch: catching up on distribution of invasive crayfish in Flanders

INBO has been conducting research on invasive crayfish in Flanders for several years. This important functional group often remains under the radar because of their aquatic lifestyle. Nevertheless, they have a major impact on aquatic biota and ecosystems. Species such as the Faxonius limosus, have long established themselves in Flanders. The clonally reproducing, and therefore highly invasive marbled crayfish, is widespread in the aquarium trade, but has only been observed in about five locations in Flanders to date. To select the right management strategy and safeguard species-rich areas from these pests, it is important to have an accurate picture of their distribution. For this reason, INBO and ANB are joining forces to realise a catch-up monitoring of invasive crayfish through this citizen science project. From mid-June to mid-October, volunteers will set traps to search for the presence of crayfish. These data will be used to devise a monitoring strategy.