Preliminary assessment of the native benthic predators, burbot (Lota lota) and catfish (Silurus glanis) , as biological control agents for marbled crayfish

Steen, Frédérique; Scheers, Kevin; Abeel, Thomas; Claeyé, Joachim; Hermans, Valentijn; Riascos Flores, Lenin; Maex, Bieke; Vermeylen, Margot; Adriaens, Tim

Preliminary assessment of the native benthic predators, burbot (Lota lota) and catfish (Silurus glanis) , as biological control agents for marbled crayfish

Author:

Steen, Frédérique

Scheers, Kevin ; Abeel, Thomas ; Claeyé, Joachim ; Hermans, Valentijn ; Riascos Flores, Lenin ; Maex, Bieke ; Vermeylen, Margot ; Adriaens, Tim

Abstract:

Invasive crayfish have become well-established in Flanders. Most of the species are widespread and eradication seems improbable. Yet, managers are looking for control measures to mitigate the density dependent impacts of invasive crayfish. This preliminary experiment explores predation of two benthic predatory fish burbot (Lota lota) and European catfish (Silurus glanis) on the marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) and evaluates their potential for use as a future control measure.