Conduits of Invasive Aquatic Species into the UK: The Angling Route?

Biodiversity and Ecology

UCL

UCL

The Angling Trust

Mark Owen

Invasive alien species (IAS) are considered to be the second greatest cause of biodiversity loss worldwide. Globalisation and increased human movements have rapidly accelerated the rate of IAS introduction. Once established in the environment, IAS are often impossible to eradicate, causing substantial irreversible environmental and socio-economic impacts. Prevention is therefore recognised as the most effective approach to tackle IAS. However, despite this, there has currently been limited research investigating the pathways through which these species are introduced into the environment. A new EU Invasive Species Regulation launched on the 1st of January 2015 means it is now an obligation of all Member States to investigate these introduction pathways and implement action plans to tighten biosecurity. Angling has been identified as one of these potential pathways. However, attempts to quantify its significance are limited. Through a combination of biological surveys of angling lakes, desiccation tolerance experiments and interviews with anglers, the importance of angling as a pathway for the introduction of Ponto-Caspian aquatic species from Europe into the UK will be investigated. The findings of this study will assist the UK government in meeting their objectives under the new Regulation and improve the assignment of resources to tackle IAS.

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