In the framework of the European LIFE Potamo Fauna "Conservation of river fauna of Community interest in the Natura 2000 network ofsites of the Ter, Fluvià and Muga river basins" a campaign will begin this summer to prevent the introduction of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and other invasive species of decapod, basically the crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus and also exotic turtles as the Florida Pond Turtle. The introduction of exotic species is a major threat to the conservation of native species and ecosystems in general. With an attractive appearance and often apparently harmless, some species become invasive exotic animals, setting abundant populations and widely disseminated by the lack of natural predators or diseases that affect them directly. Invasive alien species can also cause problems for public health and economic activities. The campaign will last until the end of the project in December 2017.

The campaign includes the publication of 6,000 leaflets, placement of posters in the territory (8 about zebra mussels, 3 about crayfish and other decapodes and 7 about invasive turtels), and talks to groups with a role in preventing the introduction of these species as tourist companies dedicated to fishing and sailing, kayaking, fishing, rangers, etc. and presence at festivals and fishing and canoeing competitions to develop tasks of information about invasive fresh water species.

Posters about zebra mussel have been installed in reservoirs and points of navigation. Exotic decapods will be installed in fishing zones and in riverine areas with high population density. These include a QR code that links to the informational brochure published and is also available on the project website (www.lifepotamofauna.org).

The project has an overall budget of EUR 1.900.262 funded 50% by the European Union. Over the four-year (2014-2017) invested 124,761 euros (6.6% of budget) recovery actions pond turtle populations in the Natura 2000 network of Girona.

LIFE Potamo Fauna executed and coordinated by the Consorci de l’Estany, with the Consorci del Ter, the Departament d’Agricultura, Ramaderia, Pesca, Alimentació i Medi Natural, Forestal Catalana, Amics de la Tortuga de l’Albera and the Universitat del País Basc, with economic help of Diputació de Girona, Ajuntament de Banyoles, Ajuntament de Porqueres, the Consorci Esportiu de l’Estany de Banyoles and Aigües de Banyoles.