Reducing the negative impact of invasive crayfish Faxonius limosus in the Danube by smart exploitation of their meat and shells. International Food Innovation and Sustainability Congress.

The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 2019, prepared by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) identified Invasive Alien Species, as one of the five top direct drivers of biodiversity loss, pointing to one of the most significant threats for humanity in the next decade.

F. limosus is a native species to Eastern North America but has been recorded so far in more than 20 European countries and listed as IAS of Union concern. Considering that F. limosus is one of the most important aquatic invaders in European inland waters, prevention, control and eradication of this species represent the greatest challenge in the field of biodiversity maintenance.

The main methodological approaches that will be used in different phases of the proposed project will reduce the negative impact of F. limosus on the Danube ecosystem.

Methodological approaches to be used intend to preserve biodiversity, turning the acquired knowledge into a variety of eco-products, in line with the concept of ZERO WASTE. The concept will significantly contribute to the formation of an ecological concept of the circular economy.

Following the main objectives of the project, the DANUBEcareˈs realization will achieve a multiple and multilevel impact on an inclusive basis. The project activities will support the transfer of knowledge across scientific institutions, industry and a wider community, even at the European level.

A multidisciplinary approach to this problem will enhance sustainability that attempts to bridge science with citizens and environmental science with the technology of the future. Therefore, the project will raise awareness about the challenges posed by invasive species and educate various target groups including the scientific community, industry, policymakers and the general public, about the possible consequences of their overpopulation. This effort is a crucial step towards achieving a permanent and systemic solution.

Additionally, the negative impact of the spiny-cheek crayfish F. limosus on the native crayfish populations in Europe is expressed in competition for habitats, in which the invader is more adaptive, it is a carrier of crayfish plague, lethal for the European native crayfish, and can destabilize riverbanks, and modify other habitats, due to its burrowing behavior causing substantial economic damage. Generally, the economic damage caused by IAS could cost Europe billions of euros per year and damage costs are continuing to rise.

Fast dispersal rate, along with adverse effects on native crayfish species, in particular, native crayfish Astacus Astacus and Astacus leptodactylus, found at most sites associated with F. limosus, suggest that urgent measures are needed in order to prevent further dispersion of this invasive species.  The project endeavour to identify the level of invasion for improving prevention and to prioritize control of F. limosus, that represent a threat for native species listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. According to available data, Astacus Astacus and Astacus leptodactylus, native crayfish species in the Danube River Basin, are listed as vulnerable and the least concern on the IUCN Red List, respectively.