Environment Aargau steps up information campaign against quagga mussels in bodies of water
The canton of Aargau is stepping up the fight to protect its rivers and lakes from the harmful quagga mussel, which originates from the Black Sea region. Information boards are to provide information: Boats and equipment should be checked and cleaned before moving from one body of water to another.
09.07.2024, 14:22
SDA
"Beware of stowaways": this is the message of the poster on the waters of the canton. Boating, water sports or fishing can inadvertently contribute to the spread of invasive alien animal and plant species in our rivers and lakes. This is according to the cantonal Department of Construction, Transport and the Environment (BVU).
The invasive quagga mussel has been spreading rapidly in Switzerland since 2014. Although it is only a few centimetres in size, it can cause major damage to infrastructure and ecology. Other species such as Black Sea gobies, as well as small animals and aquatic plants, can also crowd out native species and have a major impact on the ecosystem.
Invasive alien animals or plants are unintentionally introduced from other bodies of water when they stick to boats or water sports and fishing equipment, it was said. Even in the water that collects in the hull of a boat, organisms that are barely visible to the naked eye can travel with it.
Success so far at Lake Hallwil
Aargau was the first canton to introduce a cleaning obligation for boats on Lake Hallwil on May 1, 2021. At the same time, it launched an information campaign. The cantonal authorities see this as a success.
According to current knowledge, Lake Hallwil is not infested by the quagga mussel or the two species of black sea goby found in Switzerland. This is good news.
Once an invasive animal or plant species has entered a body of water, it is almost impossible to get rid of it. It is therefore important to keep rivers and lakes free of invasive species.
According to current knowledge, Lake Hallwil is not infested by the quagga mussel or the two Black Sea goby species found in Switzerland, the BVU stated. This is good news.
Once an invasive animal or plant species has entered a body of water, it is almost impossible to get rid of it. It is therefore important to keep rivers and lakes free of them.
Canton of Lucerne follows suit
All cantons in Central Switzerland now also have a cleaning obligation for ships that change waters. The canton of Lucerne brought this measure into force on May 1st. The cantonal parliament wants to go one step further: In June, the cantonal council passed an SP postulate instructing the cantonal government to examine a ban on migratory boats entering the water.
The protective measures in the canton of Lucerne ultimately have an impact on Aargau: the water from Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug as well as Lake Baldegg and Lake Sempach flows into Aargau.
