Invasive alien species in Monticchio
About this good practice
One of the main problems associated with the preservation of biodiversity is represented by the disclosure of invasive alien species (IAS), which are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss on a global scale.
"Invasive aliens in Monticchio" is a project funded by the operative program that aims to preserve the biodiversity of Monticchio's lakes through the contrast to the IAS.
The project, concluded in 2022, has seen the collaboration between the Regional and natural park of Vulture (lead partner) and the CEAS Vulture and Hydrosynergy Soc. Coop. The activities were based on 3 key actions:
•Integrated experimental control of the allochthonous species through activities of rimotion and incentive of supply chains;
•Monitoring of the hittic fauna to gather data on the status of the watery biocenosis;
•Activities of disclosure to sensitize the stakeholders on biodiversity and alien species;
In order to lay the foundations for constant and continuous control, potential local supply chains based on the target (IAS) such as the red prawn of Louisiana (Procambarus clarkii) and the catfish (Silurus glanis) have been evaluated.
Volunteer selector controllers have been trained and will be able to continue the control activities even after the project deadline.
To prepare the activation of food supply chains, qualitative analyses have been carried out on the IAS showing excellent nutritional values and reduced concentrations of heavy metals.
Resources needed
€138,642.83 was financed to investigate the presence of invasive alien species in the 2 lakes of Monticchio.
10 operators were involved in activities such as monitoring, supply chain, and disclosure.
Evidence of success
•The project made it possible to experiment in the Monticchio lakes, specific fishing gears for the control of the red prawn and to define the most suitable models for its fishing in the two lakes.
•The experimentation of the local food supply chain has given excellent results, and it has been confirmed that the lake species of Monticchio lend themselves well to a wide range of preparations.
Potential for learning or transfer
The total eradication of one or more already widespread alien species is an utopian objective that would require an unsustainable operational and economic effort.
The purpose of the supply chain is to contain populations within densities that limit their impacts on ecosystems (functional eradication).
It is vitally important to continue with control activities and to collect data relating to abundances. In this way, it will be possible to define the trend of densities over time and identify the correct management policies to adopt.
The data demonstrate that this practice, with the necessary adaptations to different ecosystems, can constitute an effective way of restoring natural ecosystems, transforming the problem of invasive alien species into a resource for the territory "damaged" by them.
Further information
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