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Invasive danger: signal cancer is spreading in the Ilmenau!
Lüneburg initiates actions against the invasive signal crayfish, which threatens local wildlife. More fishing activities planned.
Invasive danger: signal cancer is spreading in the Ilmenau!
An uninvited guest is making its way into the waters of the Ilmenau: the signal crayfish. Originally from North America, this invasive species has not only found a place in European rivers, but is increasingly comfortable there. The harmful effects on local wildlife are alarming. How az online Reportedly, this crab eats the spawn of native fish species and deprives other species, such as the noble crab, of their food source. This not only impacts biodiversity, but also angling practices in the region.
With a body size of up to 16 centimeters, and occasionally even slightly larger, the signal cancer continues to spread. Although it remains harmless to humans, the crayfish plague that it transmits costs the lives of many related species. The local noble crayfish populations in particular are threatened by this disease. More information about the properties of the signal crayfish can be found at lfu.brandenburg.de, where it is described, among other things, that they have a smooth shell structure without lateral spines and have a red underside on their claws.
Anglers in action
In order to counteract the problematic growth of signal crayfish, the Lüneburg fishing club has actively initiated measures. Last year, the first “signal crab fishing” campaign took place in Bienenbüttel, where almost 56 kilograms of the unwanted crabs were fished out of the Ilmenau. Interestingly, the captured specimens are not simply disposed of. Instead, they can be prepared in a variety of ways - boiled, grilled or fried, they give any dish a special kick. Around 20 to 30 crabs make a hearty meal, and the meat from the tails is particularly tasty.
The hype around fishing for signal crayfish has noticeably increased in the club. There is also good news for all hungry people and anglers: Another fishing event is on the program on Sunday, September 7th, from 8 a.m. at the Waldbad in Bienenbüttel. It remains to be seen how many crabs will fill the net this time.
A worrying phenomenon
The challenge posed by signal crayfish is part of a larger problem plaguing our natural environment. Around 900 neobiota species have now been established in Germany - these include not only the signal crayfish but also various plants and vertebrates. This increase is closely linked to global trade and increasing traffic. Climate change could drive this development further if the current climatic barrier, as it does bfn.de describes, becomes weaker with milder winters.
This makes it all the more important to be vigilant and take measures to protect local wildlife. The need for comprehensive control strategies against invasive species such as signal canker is repeatedly raised. The residents of the region have no choice but to actively help so that the local waters are not changed forever.