The smaller predatory merle was found for the first time in Sweden in March in the adjacent Tullingesjön. It is about two centimeters in size, is aggressive and threatens the diversity of the lake. Now the invasive crustacean has spread further to Lake Alby and there is a great risk that it will soon be found in Lake Mälaren as well, something that Today’s news was the first to tell.
Stopping the spread to Mälaren will be difficult and there is reason to be concerned about aquatic life, says Ulf Bjelke.
What other small animals can the new crustacean displace?
– For example, various insects, insect larvae and other crustaceans. There are many different species in Mälaren that can be negatively affected.
Now they are waiting for lab results to find out more about the marten’s origin and how they got here.