One case of active breeding in Euskadi
he Oriya River become The only riverbed in the Basque Country where Active reproduction of Asian oystersIt is an invasive alien species. Basque Water Agency OraHe pointed out that there is no evidence of this phenomenon in any other river in the autonomous region, which makes this case a unique and environmentally worrying fact.
This kind of Slugsoriginally from Southeast Asiarepresents A Threat to riverine ecosystems Due to its high ability to reproduce and adapt. It can alter aquatic habitats, compete with native species and modify river nutrient cycles.
Impact of invasive species on the ecosystem
Having this Invasive species entails Serious consequences for local biodiversity. Being a living being filterIt modifies the structure of biological communities in the river bed (river bottom), affecting molluscs and other organisms that depend on the ecological balance of the environment.
Moreover, his High density can cause Obstacles in hydraulic infrastructuresuch as pipes or irrigation channels, which adds a Economic dimension For environmental impact. These characteristics make the Asian oyster a particularly difficult species to manage once established.
From the most polluted river to the most monitored
For decades, Oriya was one of the most polluted rivers From Euskadi because Industrial activityespecially the trash can. Since the 1990s, they have been promoting Sanitation plansThe construction of treatment plants and greater control over discharges, which allowed their environmental quality to be significantly restored.
The improvement in their conditions led to a preference for return Aquatic animalsbut it also created an environment conducive to expansion Opportunistic species Like the Asian clam. Detected in Childbearing stage It reveals that it has already adapted to the local ecosystem.
Urgent surveillance and monitoring measures
the Confirm active operation Surveillance must be intensified throughout the Oria Basin. URA recommends a series of Sizesamong them:
- Systematic biological monitoring To prevent expansion into other nearby rivers.
- Environmental situation assessment Of the affected sections.
- Containment procedures Or local removal of specimens when possible.
Moreover, the importance of Citizen cooperation To prevent the unintended spread of species to other waterways through… Recreational activitiesOr fishing or boat transportation.
A precedent for the entire Basque River network
This situation raises a Long-term challenge For river management in Euskadi. Rapid ability to Asian clam colonization And its impact on Biodiversity It forces us to rethink ecological recovery models and incorporate prevention strategies against invasive species.
he Oriya River Thus, it becomes a Environmental monitoring laboratory In real time. Actions taken now will be key to halting the expansion and protecting decades-long efforts to restore rivers.
the Basque Water Agency Made it available to the public a report Through its institutional portal. It can be viewed at this official link.