Abstract
Invasive alien species are widespread in freshwater systems compared to terrestrial ecosystems. Among crustaceans, crayfish in particular have been widely introduced and are considered a major threat to freshwater ecosystem functioning. New emerging techniques for detecting and controlling invasive crayfish and protecting endangered native species are; thus, now highly desirable and several are under evaluation. Important innovations have been developed in recent years for detection of both invasive and native crayfish, mainly through eDNA, which allows for the detection of the target species even at low abundance levels and when not directly observable. Forecasting models have also moved towards the creation of realistic invasion scenarios, allowing effective management plans to be developed in advance of invasions. The importance of monitoring the spread and impacts of crayfish and pathogens in developing national data and research networks is emphasised; here “citizen science” can also play a role. Emerging techniques are still being considered in the field of invasive crayfish control. Although for decades the main traditional techniques to manage invasive crayfish were solely based on trapping, since 2010 biological, biocidal, autocidal controls and sexual attractants, monosex populations, RNA interference, the sterile male release technique and oral delivery have all also been investigated for crayfish control. In this review, ongoing methodologies applied to the detection and management of invasive crayfish are discussed, highlighting their benefits and limitations.
Highlights
Alien species have been proven to affect ecosystems by leading to the reduction or disappearance of native species as well as causing habitat modification [1,2,3]
Citizen observation networks aim to involve people in collective monitoring of a territory, helping to lower negative impacts on communities and aquatic ecosystems. This approach allows the involvement of local users so that they become key guardians of the territory; it informs users and local populations about issues relating to good environmental status for the years to come, and it provides data sets to support management tools used by decision-makers
This paper offers a summary of the different methods used to detect and control non-indigenous crayfish species, both traditional and emerging ones
Summary
Alien species have been proven to affect ecosystems by leading to the reduction or disappearance of native species as well as causing habitat modification [1,2,3]. Diversity 2019, 11, 5 strongly affect human health and wellbeing [8,9,10] They are vectors of pathogens (e.g., Aphanomyces astaci causing crayfish plague), increasing their successful competition against autochthonous species [11,12]. P. clarkii is among these successfully and widely intentionally-translocated species [18], and its importance is mainly associated with aquaculture and the aquarium trade, being the most harvested crayfish species in the world and; the most widely spread [17]. P. clarkii have escaped from hatcheries and rearing facilities and found natural environments in which to settle [19] This species has demonstrated high plasticity in adapting to different environments and temperatures, even far from its optimal thermal conditions [20]. Particular attention will be paid to innovative techniques applied to their detection and management
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