No native crayfish in Lake Aegeri any more

By means of an information campaign, the municipalities of Oberägeri and Unterägeri want to declare war on the introduction of alien animals and plants (invasive species). The focus is thereby on the quagga mussel from the Black Sea region.

"Two municipalities, one canton – in the fight against alien animals and plants in the Lake Aegeri, which cause great damage," said Zug government councillor (Regierungsrat) Andreas Hostettler, Directorate of the Interior, at the opening of the media orientation of the information campaign for the protection of the Lake Aegeri at the Seeplatz in Oberägeri.

The municipalities of Oberägeri and Unterägeri want to declare war on the introduction of invasive species with the "Wasch dein Zeug” (Wash your stuff) campaign. The focus is on the quagga mussel from the Black Sea region. To ensure that the problem is not accentuated and that the potential for damage remains low, the Canton of Zug, the two municipalities and their corporations, the Cantonal Office for Forests and Game (AFW: Amt für Wald und Wild) and the Cantonal Office for the Environment (AFUAmt für Umwelt) are launching a joint information campaign.

Under the slogan " Vorsicht blinde Passagiere (Beware of stowaways)", rules have been established and measures are being taken that are particularly important for people who sail boats or fish or practice other water sports and who use their equipment in different bodies of water.

All the native crayfish from the Lake Aegeri have now disappeared
Once the invasive species are in the water, it’s virtually impossible to remove them again. The alien ‘spinycheek crayfish’ (Faxonius limosus / Camberkrebs) has been present in Lake Aegeri for about ten years now. It has an algae fungus on its shell, the so-called “crayfish plague” (Aphanomyces astaci / Krebspest), with which it has infected native crayfish, all of which have ultimately died from it," explains Martin Ziegler, head of the Office for Forest and Game. That is why only the spinycheek crayfish can now be found in Lake Aegeri.

Roman Keller, head of the Fishing and Hunting department (Fischerei und Jagd) at the same office, shows a tree branch that is infested with a non-native migratory mussel. But it could get much worse if the dreaded ‘quagga mussel’ were introduced. This is also brown and striped, but very reproductive: For some years now, it has been multiplying massively in Lake Constance (Bodensee). This invasive mussel causes significant damage to the ecosystem and infrastructure, as well as to the water supply.

"The quagga mussel nests in the water pipes of drinking water and clogs them. This can result in significant damage”, explains Roman Keller. As a result, damage in the millions has already occurred in the region around Lake Constance, adds Martin Ziegler. He continues: "It is high time to sensitise the population to this issue and to initiate effective measures."

Campaign is strongly aimed at people with boats that move between various lakes
The campaign aims to raise awareness through flyers, posters near the lake, advertising on buses or a website. The tourist offices should also draw attention to the topic. "With the 'Wash your stuff' slogan, we want to encourage lake users, be it motorboats, paddlers, fishermen or divers, to check, wash and then dry their boats and equipment when they get out of the water or disembark," says Roman Keller.

Gregor Inderwildi, Unterägeri Construction Department, Beat Wyss, Oberägeri Municipal Councillor, Andreas Hostettler and Roman Keller from the Office for Forest and Game (from left) are firmly convinced of the "Wash your stuff" campaign.
Quagga mussel on a branch: If it were to enter Lake Aegeri, it could settle in the water pipes of drinking water and cause blockages.
The North American spinycheek crayfish’ transmits the so-called cancer plague to native crayfish. That is why all native crayfish have now died in Lake Aegeri.
The message of the information "Wash your stuff" campaign, which is committed to the protection of Lake Aegeri, already adorns ZVB buses.
"You have to do something immediately against the further introduction of invasive species," says Zug government councillor Andreas Hostettler.
Photos: Jan Pegoraro, Oberägeri

Even foreign algae species can be dangerous for Lake Aegeri. "The campaign is also aimed strongly at people with so-called ‘hiking boats’ (Wanderbooten). In other words, people who travel to different waters with their boats," he continues.

"The politicians have recognised the problem"
"In a next step, washing facilities will be installed in several places around Lake Aegeri, where vehicles and equipment can be cleaned when exiting the lake," said Martin Ziegler to the assembled group. He thereby appealed to the personal responsibility of lake users, which is of great importance.

The Oberaegi municipal councillor and head of security Beat Wyss (Mitte party) supports the information campaign and would not be against more and larger posters being put up in the municipality. "Politicians have recognised the problem and want to actively help," assures Government Councillor Andreas Hostettler. "We have to do something immediately about the further introduction of invasive species. A first step in this direction has been taken With this campaign," he is convinced.

In the future, the Office for Forest and Game would like to look at Lake Zug, and will also launch an information campaign for the protection of Lake Zug.