Spain intensifies control of invasive species in rivers

Efforts to control and prevent damage from invasive species are increasing across rivers, lakes, and urban areas in Spain. Technical and scientific work is being deployed to remove invasive plants and restore local ecosystems before species can disperse.

In the Basque Country, the Basque Water Agency (URA) is managing the control and monitoring of Fallopia japonica, commonly known as Japanese knotweed, in several sections of rivers in Bizkaia. The agency has intervened in the La Calera river in Lanestosa, treating 676 square meters, and in the Ballonti river, covering 283 square meters. The objective is to eliminate the aggressive species and revegetate the areas with native riparian plants. Work is considered complete once the species is controlled and covered by adequate native vegetation.