Study of crayfish in Groningen begins

Invasive crayfish

In the Netherlands, invasive crayfish are being found in more and more locations. These species are also present in Groningen. Currently, there are four harmful species: the spotted American crayfish, the red American crayfish, the striped American crayfish, and the marbled crayfish.

These crayfish are not native to the Netherlands. They can cause damage to riverbanks by digging burrows and make the water murkier. They also eat and damage aquatic plants. As a result, important habitats for other plant and animal species are lost.

Research at more than 150 locations

Over the next two years, we will be studying the presence of crayfish at 154 locations in Groningen. Several traps will be set at each location. They will be checked after 24 hours.

The captured crayfish are examined. Researchers look at factors such as species, weight, and size. Data is also collected on the environment in which the animals were found. During fieldwork, trainees help set up the traps and collect data.

What do we want to achieve?

In many parts of Groningen, the damage caused by crayfish is still limited. That is precisely why we want to better understand where the different species are found and how quickly they are spreading.

Groningen Council was chosen as the study area because there have been many reports of invasive crayfish. By gaining a clear picture of their distribution, we can better determine whether and where measures will be needed in the future.

Continued

The fieldwork will take place this late summer and will be repeated next year. Comparing the results from both years will provide a more reliable picture of the trends in crayfish populations in Groningen.