Crayfish Conservation in England and Invasive Species Alert in the Netherlands

A national recovery programme has been launched across northern England to protect the native white‑clawed crayfish, which has declined by 70‑80% due to pollution, habitat loss, disease and invasive species. Conservation groups from Lancashire to Northumberland, including the Eden Rivers Trust, Tyne Rivers Trust, The Wildlife Trusts, Natural England and the Environment Agency, will carry out surveys, monitoring and the creation of "Ark sites" to safeguard remaining populations.

At the same time, Dutch ecologists have confirmed the presence of the American calico crayfish (Faxonius immunis) in Gelderland, marking the eighth non‑native crayfish species to establish itself in the Netherlands. The discovery, made by ecologist Pim Lemmers, has prompted the regional water authority to notify the national food safety regulator and the European Union, while a government working group assesses measures to prevent further spread.

Both developments highlight growing concerns over freshwater biodiversity in Europe, with native species under threat and invasive crayfish posing ecological risks to rivers and wetlands.