Invasive species spread through Andalusia's Guadalquivir River

The arrival of zebra mussels in the Torre del Águila reservoir in Utrera has raised alarms regarding the health of the Guadalquivir River ecosystem. Biologist Ramoni Sánchez Carmona warns that these invasive mollusks should not be consumed, as they accumulate toxins and heavy metals through water filtration. Furthermore, current regulations strictly prohibit the sale or movement of invasive species to prevent further spread.

In Andalusia, the Guadalquivir River is acting as a corridor for the expansion of exotic invasive species. Data from the iNaturalist platform indicates an exponential increase in recorded sightings between 2015 and 2025. Approximately 189 invasive species have been quantified in the region, threatening endemic flora and fauna. Experts note that human mobility, including boat movement and animal transport, facilitates the spread of these species across the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts.