PWO T2 Manipulating Prey Preference in Burbot: Biocontrol of Crayfish

In Flanders, seven species of non-native crayfish are present. Their impact is multifaceted and leads to negative consequences for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and economic activities. All EU member states are therefore required to monitor, manage, and, if possible, eradicate crayfish species listed on the Union list of invasive alien species. The effectiveness and outcomes of commonly used management measures are generally disappointing and highly context-dependent.

Recent findings suggest that the introduction of predatory fish is a promising method for controlling crayfish populations and mitigating their impact. Preliminary research by Odisee and INBO indicates that the burbot, a species threatened in Flanders, is an effective predator of non-native crayfish.

This project investigates whether the prey preference of the burbot can be influenced in order to increase and enhance predation on crayfish. If the research yields positive results, it opens up a range of application possibilities. On the one hand, it offers a potential solution for managing invasive crayfish populations – a challenge faced across Europe. On the other hand, the method could be optimized and applied to combat other invasive (fish) species.