Achtergrondrapport van het soortenbeschermingsprogramma voor grote modderkruiper (Misgurnus fossilis Linnaeus 1758) in Vlaanderen (2021-2025)

The European weatherfish is barely present and virtually unknown to the general public. This fish, now critically endangered in Flanders, is only known from a few locations in three core areas, and a number of marshes and canals. The species has suffered greatly, especially since the 1950s, from a strongly changing aquatic landscape and, more recently, from a changing climate that is causing further desiccation. The weatherfish is a 'flagship species' for the current water policy (e.g. Blue Deal). The species protection programme aims to turn the tide.
In the first place, we want to achieve this by securing and strengthening relict populations. A breeding programme has also been launched to provide local populations with fresh blood. 50 priority habitats have been selected where reintroduction has the highest chance of success. E efforts are also needed in the connectivity areas where there is mainly secondary habitat in an agricultural setting. Finally, the further spread of misgurnus bipartitus, an acute threat due to competition and hybridisation, must also be countered.