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Description
Project objectives: 1) to assess the risk of introduction, survival and spread of invasive alien species in Estonia; 2) to assess and control the spread of invasive crayfish species and Nuttall''s waterweed in Estonia and implement more effective measures for the detection and eradication of alien species; 3) to raise public awareness and competence of officials of the threats of alien species and control measures.
The spread of alien crayfish is the biggest threat to the native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus), because they are latent carriers of the crayfish plague agent Aphanomyces astaci (lethal to noble crayfish). In addition, alien crayfish species are more aggressive, more fertile and more resilient to the changes of environmental conditions. The spread of crayfish species of North American origin has led to the extinction of a large proportion of Europe''s indigenous crayfish populations. To eradicate and stop the spread of alien crayfish species in Estonia, more effective methods must be developed and applied to protect local crayfish populations.
A perennial aquatic plant, Nuttall''s waterweed (Elodea nutatallii), belongs to the Hydrochatitaceae family and is native to North America. Found in Europe in 1939, together with the Canadian waterweed (Elodea canadensis). The rapid growth of this species causes number of ecological and economic problems, (loss of species diversity, recreational potential, causing unpredictable changes to the waterbody and limiting the use of water as a resource for economic purposes). In Estonia, Nuttall''s waterweed is widely distributed, however, reliable information of its abundance and possible impact is lacking.
Target groups: Government agencies involved in environmental protection, universities, local municipalities, nature conservation specialists, protected species and their habitats, officials and employees of government agencies and other state agencies, developers of training courses and methodologies.
Summary of project results
The main focus was to develop more effective methods to eradicate invasive alien species (alien crayfish) which are a threat to the native noble crayfish (Astacus astacus). Alien crayfish carry a disease called crayfish plague, they themselves don''t get sick, but our native noble crayfish does. There are also other alien species that needed assessment - what species are there, their survival in our climate, and also spread. And with all these challenges, to raise also public awareness and competence of officials of the threats of alien species and control measures.
With this project an analysis of the introduction pathways of 10 invasive alien species, their ability to adapt to Estonian climate and possible incoming routes was created.
The population of alien crayfish was reduced by eradication.
And people''s awareness of the threats of alien species was increased. Officials from municipalities were trained. Cooperation between authorities and Estonian University of Life Sciences has improved - creates opportunities for more effective eradication activities around Estonia.
10 invasive species pathways were analysed. 3 species were combated (3 crayfish species) in 20 different localities. And 30 people - professional staff were trained.
Different agencies in Estonia can now more effectively direct alien species management activities. People''s awareness has increased about threats of alien species. Cooperation between local Authorities and the University have improved, which creates opportunities for more effective eradication activities. In addition, better working relationships have been established between the University and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute for similar joint operations in the future.
Summary of bilateral results
Norwegian Veterinary Institute shared their experience of how to eradicate alien crayfish. The only 100% effective measure is to use biocide. The representative from the Institute helped the PP to pick out suitable environments where to use this measure. Unfortunately Estonian Climate Ministry nor Environmental Board did not allow this activity. Therefore the main collaboration was advice on eDNA studies. PP benefited on learning eDNA methods more thoroughlly and participated in a laboratory comparison test in Drottingholm which will be published as a scientific article. After the end of the project, a joint scientific article will be written based on the results obtained during the pilot project.