Netherlands: American crayfish in more places in Schieland

Frozen Crayfish

Fresh Common Lobster

Netherlands

United States

Published Sep 17, 2022

Tridge summary

During the annual lobster monitoring, American crayfish were found in more places and in a larger area in the South Holland Schieland than in previous years. This is apparent from research into the presence of exotic crayfish, which the Schieland and Krimpenerwaard Water Board has been carrying out annually since 2020.

Original content

The change is mainly on the north side of the area and involves small numbers. The situation in the Krimpenerwaard is comparable to previous years. Twelve lobster baskets with bait are placed at each location for lobster monitoring. After one night, the baskets are emptied to count and measure the lobsters per species. By 2022, ten to forty lobsters were found in most locations. The largest numbers were found around Berkenwoude in the Krimpenerwaard and in Moordrecht in Schieland. Hoogheemraad: worrying 'The research results confirm that American crayfish live in a large part of our area. That is worrying, because the animals cause nuisance and damage, especially for farmers in the Krimpenerwaard', says Agnes van Zoelen of the Schieland and Krimpenerwaard Water Board. 'The lobsters dig tunnels and burrows, weakening banks, crumbling and creating more dredged material. They also eat many small aquatic animals and cut up aquatic plants that provide oxygen and clear water. All of ...

Source: Nieuwe Oogst