Detecting four invasive crayfish species in freshwater ponds (Brussels)

Policy concern: invasive alien species

This work was presented at the ICAIS conference in Halifax (May 12th – 16th 2024) and at the EBR III conference in Leiden (March 25th – 26th 2024)
Check out the poster

BopCo was hired by Brussels Environment to search for invasive non-native crayfish species in freshwater ponds in Brussels using eDNA methods, as part of the LIFE RIPARIAS project.

What is eDNA?

Environmental DNA (eDNA) refers to genetic material found in our surroundings — air, water, and soil. This powerful tool aids in detecting species, particularly for monitoring protected, invasive, or pest species.

Invasive crayfish

Invasive crayfish species threaten aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native wildlife, disrupting food chains, and spreading diseases. They are a significant factor in the decline of the European crayfish (Astacus astacus), which is now rare in Belgium. Effective monitoring and management of these invaders are essential to preserving local biodiversity and ecosystem health.

European crayfish (Astacus astacus) by Anna N Chapman [CC0] via Wikimedia Commons
European crayfish (Astacus astacus) by Anna N Chapman [CC0] via Wikimedia Commons

Detecting invasive crayfish using eDNA

In 2023, BopCo was contracted by Brussels Environment for the LIFE RIPARIAS project (LIFE19 NAT/BE/000953). We surveyed 48 ponds for four invasive crayfish species: Procambarus clarkii, Procambarus virginalis, Faxonius limosus, and Pontastacus leptodactylus, three of which were already known to occur in Brussels. Although only two species were detected through eDNA analysis, the absence of contamination during testing is promising for future applications. This project marks an exciting beginning for eDNA detection at BopCo.

Partners & collaborators 

Brussels Environment

RIPARIAS