Protecting Peatlands of Invasive Alien Aquatic Species

Introduction

The Natura 2000 areas Weerribben and De Wieden (NL) are threatened by invasive alien aquatic species (IAAS). The presence of species such as Cabomba caroliniana, Myriophyllum heterophyllum, Lagarosiphon major, Myriophyllum aquiticum, and Hydrocotyle ranuncoloides is particularly alarming. These species spread quickly in the area due to the intensive use of the waterways, mainly by tourist vessels. This leads to a loss of wildlife in vulnerable habitats, especially H3140, H3150, and H7140A/B.

Project Objectives

In this project, partners work to prevent an uncontrollable situation for the future regarding invasive aquatic alien species. The aim is to protect individual habitats as well as the natural succession of habitat types in De Wieden and Weerribben.

Cooperation and Integrated Approach

Cooperation is crucial to achieve a controllable situation. This will be accomplished by jointly developing an integrated approach targeted at:

1. Mechanical and manual removal of IAAS in infected areas, ensuring that IAAS are controlled, the area of protected habitats is not diminished, and coverage of IAAS is reduced to a maximum of 2%. With this coverage, maintenance by only manual removal will be possible again.
2. Best practice pilots in peat pits to investigate the best options for IAAS control while protecting land conversion processes.
3. Limiting and preventing the spread of IAAS by raising awareness and activating tourists and the tourist sector. This aims to achieve a situation where 67% of visiting tourists are aware of the IAAS in the area and know what to do to prevent spreading.

Long-term Governance Strategy

Based on the developed integrated approach, partners will sign a long-term governance strategy that ensures sustainable cooperation in site-based water and nature management with engaged stakeholders. The project’s IAAS removal actions and approaches can serve as a model for replication for control of IAAS in other lowland peat areas.