Netherlands water board barred from raising Natura 2000 level as eighth invasive crayfish appears

The Dutch Council of State ruled that the province of Utrecht cannot force the Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden water board to raise the water level in the Natura 2000 area of Kolland and Overlangbroek. A water‑level change requires an independent peilbesluit by the water board that balances ecological, agricultural and other statutory interests. The decision confirms that only the minister, under the Omgevingswet, can intervene for European nature obligations.

Separately, Dutch authorities have confirmed the presence of a ninth invasive river‑crayfish species, the calicotrivierkreeft, in the country through environmental‑DNA testing. The Waterschap Rivierenland, the Dutch Food and Consumer Authority and the European Union have set up a working group to study the spread and to develop control measures, amid concerns that the growing suite of invasive crayfish threatens river ecosystems.