Craywatch
from 01/04/2024 until 31/12/2025
The Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) is mapping the distribution and abundance of crayfish in Flanders through the citizen science project Craywatch. Freshwater ecosystems are in crisis, and there is an urgent need for more knowledge about the invasive alien crayfish species present in Flanders. The Craywatch data are used to implement rapid response actions against new species, to assess the impact of crayfish on native species and ecosystems, and to generally increase knowledge about this important group of invasive species.
Aim
Primary objectives:
To carry out a detailed distribution survey on Flemish territory for invasive crayfish species through citizen science. This will provide thorough insights into the currently present species and their geographical distribution, allowing on the one hand the identification of pathways into protected nature areas, and on the other hand the designation of populations for rapid response measures;
To conduct a baseline measurement and distribution survey as the foundation for future surveillance of crayfish populations, with or without the use of eDNA. The data will serve as reference information for future evaluations and will enable researchers to detect or model future changes in crayfish distribution.
Secondary objectives:
To raise general awareness of the issue of invasive crayfish through active participation of the public, land-managing organizations, and other relevant associations, e.g. angling stewards;
Ecological research: analysis of the ecological niche of each crayfish species by linking collected distribution data to available environmental variables. In this way, habitat types at higher risk can be identified;
About funding
Funding bodies: Vlaamse overheid INBO
