Invasive non-native species and predation by fish-eating species can pose a serious threat to fisheries; disrupting ecosystems, endangering native species, and adding costly management burdens.
Successfully dealing with these invasive species requires collaboration, strategic planning, and access to the right resources.
Here’s a guide for fisheries to manage these invasive non-native species effectively and protect native habitats while engaging anglers in conservation efforts.
Educate and Engage Anglers
Anglers play a critical role in monitoring and controlling invasive species simply because they’re on the water frequently. Anecdotal evidence isn’t really evidence at all, and if you can get your members to record sightings and track invasive species, you’ll build up a great evidence base to help you start tackling the issues. If they want to keep fishing your venues, they need to take an active role in helping to look after them!
Empower anglers with knowledge about identifying invasive species, like grass carp, catfish, or invasive aquatic plants. Informing anglers about proper gear cleaning and disposal techniques can help prevent these species from spreading between water bodies, such as the Check Clean Dry campaign which offers advice to anglers on how they can keep kit free of invasive plants and animals and minimise the risk of spreading them to other locations.
To encourage participation, make it as simple as possible for anglers to report sightings of invasive non-native species. For example, using an online form that can be accessed through their Angler App.
Prioritise Habitat Improvement
Healthy, balanced habitats are more resilient to invasive species. Work with conservation specialists to assess and improve your venues’ ecosystem. Native plant restoration, water quality monitoring, and controlled fishing can all improve habitat health. Regular habitat assessments and strategic planting of native vegetation around the fishery can create natural barriers against invasive species and improve the overall ecological balance.
Leverage Available Angling Resources and Partnerships
Managing invasive species doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Several organisations offer resources, funding, and guidance for fisheries dealing with this issue:
- The Environment Agency provides information and support for invasive species management and can direct you to local resources.
- The Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) offers educational materials, species identification guides, and the “Check, Clean, Dry” campaign resources, which promote safe practices for waterways.
- Wildlife Trusts may offer funding or support, especially if your efforts align with broader conservation goals in the region.
There are a variety of funding options available each year, the most accessible being the Fisheries Improvement Programme from the Environment Agency and the Angling Improvement Fund administered by the Angling Trust. Both of these are funded by your rod licence money and both can be used for projects that can help tackle the impact of predation and invasive species, from habitat improvement to otter fencing – the options are nearly limitless. Check out our funding seminar to find out how to access these at your fishery.
Consider Professional Intervention to Help Manage Invasive Species
There are specialists available to help remove invasive species, restore native populations, and implement long-term solutions to keep your fishery balanced and healthy. If you’re struggling to secure funding for this, consider collaborating with local conservation groups or applying for grants dedicated to habitat restoration and invasive species management.
One example is British AquaCare, who provide fishery management services including the removal of invasive non-native fish, predation management and more. Better still, Clubmate customers receive 10% off their fishery management services. Learn more here.
Tackling invasive non-native species is a challenging yet critical aspect of fishery management. Focus on fostering a conservation-minded culture among anglers, protecting habitats, implementing preventive measures, and leveraging external resources so that your fishery can better control invasive species and preserve the health of their waters. Embracing these strategies can not only protect your fishery’s ecosystem but also protect the angling experience at your venue for years to come.
Clubmate is the go-to fishery management software trusted by over 100,000 anglers and 1500+ fishing club committee members and bailiffs. We’ll help you remove unnecessary paperwork, increase revenue and take back your spare time with our simple-to-use, cloud-based system designed specifically for fishing clubs and fisheries. Book a 1-2-1 demo with one of our fishing club experts or see what people have to say about working with us.
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