The situation of Eichhornia crassipes in the Guadiana river (ES)
In Spain, Eichhornia crassipes (Pontederiaceae, EPPO A2 List) was first detected in 2004 and was present in an 80 km long stretch of the Guadiana River in the municipalities of Medellín and Mérida (Extremadura). Despite intensive management efforts through the removal of 183;000 tonnes of plant material in 2004 and 2006, and of 40;000 tonnes removed in 2010, the species spread again in 2011. Forty one thousand (51;000) tonnes were removed in 2012. As of 2012, more than 21 million euros had been spent to manage the species. The Guadiana River provides water to 42;000 hectares of cultivated land. Although these agricultural areas are not currently affected, if E.;crassipes were to spread through irrigation canals, it would have detrimental impacts on water provision.