WP1: Coordination and Communication
This work package ensures the overall coordination, governance, and communication among all project partners and stakeholders, which is fundamental for the coherence, efficiency, and accountability of all project activities. WP1 sets the strategic backbone of LIFE PREDATOR by facilitating decision-making processes, ensuring alignment with LIFE programme standards, and providing the logistical and organizational support needed for each Work Package to operate effectively. The WP also oversees the timely achievement of milestones, budget management, and the flow of information among partners. To guarantee transparency and shared governance, all structures necessary for effective project implementation—such as the Steering Committee and the Project Management Team—have been established. These bodies ensure regular consultation, conflict resolution, and dynamic adjustment of priorities in response to field conditions or external constraints. To date, three Steering Committee meetings and numerous bilateral working sessions have been conducted. All formal agreements among partners have been finalized, and essential authorizations for field and research activities have been obtained across the three participating countries. In terms of communication, a detailed outreach strategy has been launched, which includes a public website, a consistent visual identity, social media presence, press releases, and events.

Tasks:

• T1.1 Administrative procedures: finalized with internal and external agreements signed.
• T1.2 Project management: fully operational under IRSA-CNR, which acts as project coordinator and leads the central Management Team responsible for overall supervision and operational control. The Management Team ensures coherence across work packages, schedules regular coordination meetings, and prepares consolidated technical and financial reports. Each project partner has appointed a dedicated contact person who interfaces with the coordinator to guarantee efficient information flow, timely execution of activities, and effective resolution of administrative or operational issues. A Steering Committee composed of representatives from all core partners provides strategic guidance and validates key decisions, ensuring transparency and shared governance.
• T1.3 Authorizations: completed across Italy, Portugal, and Czech Republic. This involved obtaining official permits and clearances from a variety of national and regional authorities, allowing for the legal execution of field activities such as sampling, telemetry, fish capture, and environmental monitoring. The process required coordination with protected area managers, water authorities, and in some cases, ethical or scientific committees. The successful completion of this task ensured compliance with environmental laws and facilitated smooth implementation of all subsequent project activities.
• T1.4 Communication: executed with in-person and virtual kick-off events in Italy and Portugal, involving more than 250 participants across the initial sessions. A complete dissemination package was produced, including the creation of the LIFE PREDATOR logo and visual identity, more than 5,000 printed brochures and leaflets, roll-up banners, posters, and other outreach tools. A dedicated website was launched and regularly updated, supported by active social media profiles (Facebook and Instagram) with a growing follower base. Video content was produced to explain the project goals and actions in accessible language. Project news has been featured in national and regional media, and a multilingual press campaign was initiated. Internal communication was facilitated through the creation of templates, shared cloud repositories, and a common workspace for all partners. These communication tools and actions laid a strong foundation for awareness raising and engagement, reaching already over 300,000 citizens and thousands of stakeholders by mid-term.

WP2: Baseline Assessment
WP2 provides the scientific and social baseline essential for designing targeted, effective intervention strategies for catfish control. Its main objective is to generate a detailed understanding of the ecological status of selected lakes and reservoirs and the social dynamics surrounding their management, including how local communities perceive and interact with the presence of catfish. This work package combines social science methods, such as stakeholder mapping and interviews, with ecological fieldwork and spatial data analysis.

The strategy involves identifying and involving key actors early in the project through the establishment of Local Alliance Groups (LAGs), which have already activated 69 Operative Team (OT) members and 74 Warning Team (WT) members. These groups not only participate in data collection and monitoring but also help build local ownership of the control strategies.

Extensive ecological data collection has been conducted in 50 lakes, focusing on abiotic parameters, fish community structure, and habitat features. This dataset supports the development of risk maps and spatial models of catfish distribution and habitat preference, which in turn guide the prioritization of sites and the selection of removal techniques.

The expected results of WP2 include: a comprehensive database on lake characteristics, a typology of invaded and at-risk systems, baseline estimates of catfish abundance and native fish community health, and a refined understanding of local stakeholder readiness and capacity to support intervention. These deliverables form the foundation for all subsequent operational and monitoring activities within the project.

As of spring 2025, WP2 is largely completed and has successfully met most of its objectives. Stakeholder engagement activities led to the formation of Local Alliance Groups (LAGs) in both Italy and Portugal, with a total of 143 people involved (69 in Operative Teams and 74 in Warning Teams). All 50 lakes targeted by the project have been characterized, with full ecological datasets collected and validated. These datasets have been used to construct a georeferenced database and to develop spatial distribution models of catfish presence and habitat suitability. In particular, telemetry studies have been conducted on 45 catfish individuals, and acoustic and hydrographic surveys have been implemented to assess lake morphology and species use of habitat.

Tasks:

• T2.1 Stakeholder analysis and mapping: fully completed with wide engagement. The project team carried out stakeholder mapping in both Italy and Portugal, identifying and classifying actors such as professional and recreational fishers, local authorities, protected area managers, NGOs, and local communities. Structured interviews, online surveys, and focus groups were used to assess their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards catfish and its management. The results informed the design of the engagement strategy and led to the creation of Local Alliance Groups (LAGs), composed of 69 members in the Operative Teams and 74 in the Warning Teams. The analysis helped tailor communication and control actions to the socio-cultural context of each target area and supported the identification of key players for long-term cooperation.
• T2.2 Formation and training of OTs, WTs, ETs: completed. In both Italy and Portugal, the project established Local Alliance Groups comprising 69 Operative Team (OT) members and 74 Warning Team (WT) members. All members participated in structured training sessions that covered the project’s ecological goals, catfish identification, capture and monitoring techniques, safety measures, and data recording. Training materials were distributed, and some sessions were conducted on-site at project lakes to reinforce practical skills. Evaluation Teams (ETs) were also identified and briefed on their roles in assessing project outcomes.
• T2.3 Telemetry and habitat use: actively underway. A total of 45 individual catfish were tagged with acoustic transmitters and released in pilot lakes, including Lake Maggiore and Lake Avigliana Piccolo. Acoustic receivers were installed across these lakes to continuously monitor the movements and behavior of tagged fish. This telemetry data is being integrated with bathymetric and sonar mapping (using drones and side-scan sonar) to identify key habitats, seasonal aggregation patterns, and high-risk zones. The results support the design of more efficient and targeted removal campaigns.
• T2.4 Lake database: completed. A comprehensive georeferenced database was developed, combining abiotic parameters (e.g., temperature, oxygen levels), biological data (fish communities, presence of invasive species), and anthropogenic pressure indicators (e.g., land use, fishing intensity) for 50 lakes. The database allows cross-country comparisons and supports the selection of intervention priorities by highlighting ecological risk profiles and habitat sensitivity.
• T2.5 Fish communities and ecological indicators: nearly completed. Standardized fish sampling campaigns were conducted in 9 out of 10 targeted Italian lakes and in all planned Portuguese water bodies. Sampling methods included gillnetting, electrofishing, and visual surveys, depending on local conditions. Data collected include species presence, relative abundances, size classes, and community structure, which provide essential baseline references for evaluating the impact of catfish removal actions. These data also contribute to assessments required under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC).

WP3: Capture Protocols
WP3 aims to identify, test, and validate the most effective and selective methodologies for the removal of European catfish in Southern European freshwater ecosystems. The goal is to define standardized and replicable capture protocols tailored to three aquatic typologies: large natural lakes, small natural lakes, and both small and large reservoirs. The strategies developed in this WP are based on the ecological insights gained in WP2, and they form the operational foundation for the eradication efforts implemented in WP5.

The methodological approach includes the evaluation of various gear types—such as gillnets with different mesh sizes, longlines (both standard and modified), and electrofishing equipment—assessed for their efficiency, selectivity, and impact on non-target species. These tools were tested across representative sites, with the support of telemetry data, sonar mapping, and the active participation of trained Operative Teams. Seasonal variations in catfish behavior were also analyzed to determine the most favorable times for removal campaigns.

Progress and Achievements:

• T3.1 – Large natural lakes: Protocols were developed and validated through trials in Lake Maggiore. Testing showed that longlines, particularly during the pre-spawning season, yielded the best compromise between efficiency and selectivity. Over several field sessions, a significant number of individuals were caught, and data on catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) were systematically recorded. Techniques were refined with the contribution of local fishers.
• T3.2 – Small natural lakes: Capture strategies were successfully adapted and tested in five Italian lakes (Comabbio, Sirio, Avigliana Grande, Avigliana Piccolo, Campagna). These lakes offered diverse conditions in terms of depth, vegetation, and isolation. Multi-method approaches combining longlines, gillnets, and night operations proved effective. The protocols optimized for shallow and confined basins are now ready to be scaled up.
• T3.3 – Reservoirs: Field testing was completed in four Portuguese reservoirs (Cedillo, Fratel, Belver, Meimoa), with methodological support from BCCAS. Given the depth and structural complexity of these water bodies, vertical sets and telemetry-based positioning were employed. Capture rates and gear performance were analyzed, allowing for the customization of techniques suitable for these conditions. Final protocols are aligned with those used in large lakes but incorporate specific adaptations for reservoir dynamics.

WP4: Early Detection SystemWP4 aims to establish an early warning and surveillance system to detect the presence and spread of European catfish in lakes, enabling timely intervention and control. This is achieved through the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis and citizen science contributions. A cost-effective and sensitive molecular assay based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) has been developed and validated to detect catfish DNA in water samples. The protocol, now adopted by the project, provides a reliable method for detecting the species even at low densities and before visual confirmation is possible.

The eDNA method has been applied in a broad sampling campaign, covering 35 lakes and reservoirs in Italy and 21 in Portugal. Results are being used to monitor the expansion of Silurus glanis and prioritize control actions in high-risk areas. In parallel, the project has strengthened citizen science activities, inviting anglers and local stakeholders to contribute with visual or photographic sightings. A dedicated reporting system has been established, and submissions are verified through a standard validation protocol.

Tasks:

• T4.1 eDNA qPCR assay: successfully finalized and published as a standardized reference protocol. This innovative molecular method was specifically designed to detect trace amounts of catfish DNA in water samples with high sensitivity and specificity. It allows for the identification of the species even at early invasion stages, before traditional methods such as visual surveys or capture would be effective. The protocol was tested and validated in both laboratory and field conditions, ensuring robustness across different water bodies. Laboratories in Italy and Portugal have been fully trained and equipped to apply it routinely, and the method is now integrated into regular monitoring activities, representing a key tool for anticipatory management of catfish invasions.T4.2 Application to lakes and reservoirs: currently ongoing. Hundreds of water samples have been collected, processed, and analyzed, generating data that feed into the central catfish distribution database.
• T4.3 Citizen science: launched and operational. Educational materials and reporting guidelines have been disseminated through angler networks and online platforms, generating an increasing number of verified reports.
• T4.4 Data management: in active development. A centralized system is being developed to manage, visualize, and cross-reference all data collected through eDNA sampling and citizen science contributions. This system ensures consistency and reliability by applying validation protocols before data are entered into the master database. It allows for dynamic mapping of catfish presence across the 48 surveyed water bodies and supports predictive modeling to identify potential spread routes. The data infrastructure is designed to be scalable and accessible for authorized project partners and, in part, for external stakeholders. This integration plays a critical role in prioritizing intervention sites and informing adaptive management decisions in real time.

WP5: Control and Eradication Actions
WP5 represents the core operational effort of LIFE PREDATOR and puts into action the protocols developed in WP3 to significantly reduce the biomass of European catfish in lakes and reservoirs. The strategic approach is based on the application of site-specific, low-impact fishing techniques carried out by trained Operative Teams (OTs) and coordinated by scientific partners. Removal efforts are prioritized in systems with high conservation value, such as Natura 2000 sites, and in lakes where baseline studies indicated high catfish abundance.

The strategy combines daily removal campaigns with adaptive adjustments based on habitat characteristics, fish behavior (as informed by telemetry), and capture efficiency. The operations rely on selective longlines and gillnets, deployed under seasonal and spatial planning to maximize success while minimizing by-catch. Local fishers and OTs play a central role in the field execution and data collection.

As of spring 2025, the removal campaigns have yielded concrete results: 10,910 kg of biomass has been removed from Lake Maggiore, 2,860 kg from Comabbio, and 395 kg from Lake Campagna. In Portugal, over 5,500 kg of catfish have been removed from reservoirs Cedillo, Fratel, Belver, and Meimoa. The project is progressing towards its reduction targets—90% in small, closed lakes; 10% to 50% in larger systems and reservoirs—and the methods are now being refined for long-term application and replication beyond the project.

Tasks:

• T5.1 Large lakes: in Lake Maggiore, daily removal activities have been conducted, resulting in the extraction of 10,910 kg of catfish biomass by spring 2025. The effort is sustained and guided by telemetry data and previous habitat mapping to optimize capture locations and periods.
• T5.2 Small lakes: eradication actions are underway in five small Natura 2000 lakes (Comabbio, Sirio, Avigliana Grande, Avigliana Piccolo, Campagna). The most significant progress has been made in Lake Comabbio (2,860 kg removed) and Lake Campagna (395 kg removed) in seasonal windows of high catch probability. The operations are being refined to reach the 90% reduction goal.
• T5.3 Reservoirs: coordinated removal campaigns have taken place in four Portuguese reservoirs—Cedillo, Fratel, Belver, and Meimoa—where over 5,500 kg of catfish have been extracted. Efforts are adapted to the deep and stratified nature of these systems. These interventions aim to reduce biomass by 10% to 50% depending on reservoir size and configuration.

WP6: Monitoring and Evaluation
WP6 is dedicated to assessing the ecological and social impacts of the catfish control measures implemented across project sites. The monitoring framework adopts a BACI (Before-After-Control-Impact) design, enabling robust comparison of lake conditions before and after the removal actions, as well as across treated and untreated sites. This work package focuses on four main dimensions: biodiversity, fish community structure, ecosystem functioning, and public perception.

One of the central innovations of WP6 is the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to assess the diversity of eukaryotic taxa, offering a high-resolution picture of community composition. In addition, stable isotope analysis (SIA) is being used to evaluate changes in trophic interactions and energy flow within food webs. Fish surveys and biological indicators contribute to the ecological assessment in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC). Social surveys and interviews with stakeholders help measure awareness, engagement, and support for long-term catfish management.

Tasks:

• T6.1 Biodiversity: Completed in multiple lakes. Sampling was performed before and after removal activities, with DNA samples analyzed to detect variation in eukaryotic taxa.
• T6.2–T6.4 Fish communities: Baseline surveys completed in all core sites; follow-up sampling is ongoing to monitor the response of native fish communities.
• T6.5 Food webs: SIA activities initiated. Samples from fish tissues and invertebrates collected to analyze changes in trophic structure; some lab activities delayed but on track.
• T6.6 Ecosystem services: Assessment using the MAES (Mapping and Assessment of Ecosystem Services) approach is underway, with indicators for provisioning, regulation, and cultural services.
• T6.7 Social perception: Over 300 stakeholders engaged through questionnaires and focus groups. Preliminary findings highlight a growing awareness of the invasive threat and support for control measures.

WP7: Sustainability and Replication
WP7 ensures that LIFE PREDATOR’s results are scalable and sustainable by promoting systemic change and long-term integration into policies and local economies. The main objectives are to build a solid framework for replicating the project’s strategies, to stimulate a responsible circular economy around catfish use, and to create a European-level governance platform for coordinated action.

To achieve this, the project is testing innovative approaches such as transforming invasive catfish into a food resource. Pilot initiatives involving hotel schools and social cooperatives have already served over 1,000 meals based on experimental recipes developed with more than 180 culinary students. These actions aim to reduce biomass while offering economic and social opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups.

At the same time, LIFE PREDATOR is laying the groundwork for institutional collaboration by setting up a South European Catfish Management Group (SEMG), involving authorities, experts, and lake managers. This group will serve as a coordination hub for knowledge sharing and future joint actions.

The WP also includes a robust knowledge transfer component, with workshops, training sessions, and guidelines targeted at practitioners, fishers, and environmental managers to ensure that project methods are adopted and replicated in other regions.

Tasks:

• T7.1 Food processing and consumption: this task aims to transform the ecological challenge posed by the catfish into a social and economic opportunity through the development of a circular economy model. While no actual processing or meal distribution has occurred yet, the project has laid the groundwork for future experimentation. Initial collaborations have been established with the Maggia Hotel School, a social cooperative with experience in catering for vulnerable groups, and an active fishery-tourism business. These partnerships are expected to facilitate the next phase of work, which includes testing hygienic and culinary treatment methods, evaluating consumer acceptance, and analyzing the economic feasibility of introducing catfish into local food chains in a safe and culturally appropriate way.
• T7.2 SEMG: preliminary institutional contacts have been initiated in Italy and Portugal with relevant environmental authorities, regional governments, and research institutions. The goal is to establish a stable and cross-border South European Catfish Management Group (SEMG) to coordinate efforts beyond the project’s duration. The group is intended to function as a reference platform for technical exchange, harmonization of management approaches, and advocacy at EU level.
• T7.3–T7.7: a wide array of replication and capacity-building activities are underway. These include the preparation of guidelines on control techniques, organization of technical workshops for fishers and environmental operators, and awareness campaigns targeting key stakeholders. So far, over 15 training sessions and dissemination meetings have been held, reaching more than 300 participants including local managers, practitioners, and citizen groups. Dedicated replication materials are also being produced to facilitate the transfer of best practices to other regions