How an arthropod from America is disturbing Luxembourg
Alyona Bogomolova, Unsplash
The American river crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), one of the most aggressive invasive species, continues to spread in Luxembourg's water bodies, damaging local ecosystems. The Ministry of the Environment has confirmed that the threat has been recognised and measures have been taken to eliminate it.
Key measures
European strategy
A national action plan to prevent the spread of invasive species has been developed under EU Regulation No 1143/2014. The public consultation has been finalised and the final version of the plan will be published shortly.
Monitoring using eDNA
In spring 2024, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) launched a pilot monitoring project using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. In summer 2024, five water bodies were surveyed to test the methodology. In 2025, 30 water bodies are planned to be surveyed to better define cancer ranges.
The American river crayfish not only threatens local fauna by displacing it, but also spreads diseases that destroy the ecosystem. The new strategy aims to reduce this threat and conserve biodiversity.
Environment Minister Serge Wilmes emphasised the need to join forces to protect the country's water bodies.
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