Invasive species of crustaceans are threatening global ecosystems, and a recent study shows that the economy is also suffering as a result. According to the Senckenberg Research Center for Biodiversity and Climate, freshwater ecosystems in Europe are particularly vulnerable to invasive species such as crayfish and crabs, which can negatively impact the local environment by replacing endemic species. While progress has been made in understanding the ecological impact of invasive species, the economic costs are often still unknown.
To address this issue, a team led by Philip Haubrock from the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt conducted a study to determine the economic damage caused by invasive crustaceans in freshwater ecosystems globally. Using the InvaCost database, which contains all known monetary damages caused by invasive species, the team filtered out entries related to invasive crustaceans and analyzed them in detail. The results showed that the global economic costs of invasive aquatic crustaceans since the 1960s amounted to €236 million, with crayfish and crabs, particularly the signal crayfish, being the main culprits.
The damages caused by invasive crustaceans include both the damage to the ecosystem and the loss of resources, with fishing being particularly affected. However, the InvaCost database is incomplete, and the authors believe that the reported monetary costs are likely underestimated due to data gaps in Africa, Australia, and missing information on time periods and species. Therefore, the authors emphasize the urgent need for a systematic assessment of invasive crustaceans and their associated costs to enable national and regional authorities to invest in appropriate strategies and measures to mitigate their impact in the future.
In conclusion, the study highlights the significant economic costs of invasive crustaceans in freshwater ecosystems globally and the need for a more comprehensive assessment of their impact. By understanding the economic impact of invasive species, authorities can take appropriate measures to mitigate their impact and protect the environment and the economy.
