Invading alien found in pond

Kent News UK

An invading alien catfish has been discovered in Canterbury.

The rogue catfish was found by Environment Agency fisheries officers carrying out a fisheries survey.

Catfish are not native to the UK but are becoming increasingly popular in recreational fisheries.

But they can pose a threat to the environment by competing with native fish for food and habitat, and spreading disease or parasites.

The invader was discovered at Howe Barracks, which is managed by Ministry of Defence staff.

They are looking to establish an angling group on a lake at the site and asked the Environment Agency for help to determine the fish population so they can ensure the fishery is managed in a sustainable way.

The keeping of non-native fish species is restricted under the Import of Live Fish Act because of the potential

ecological threat.

The MoD staff did not know the species was in the lake, so there was no ILFA licence in place covering the keeping of this fish.

It is likely the catfish was introduced by an angler who fishes the lake.

The catfish was caught and passed onto the Environment Agency's National Fisheries Laboratory in Cambridgeshire.

Jon Whitmore, fisheries technical team leader in Kent, said: "Money generated from rod licence sales has enabled us to help the MoD make plans for the future of this lake.

“Non-native fish can pose a significant risk to the local environment so it was lucky that we found this fish when we did and were able to remove it from the pond.

“The staff managing this lake acted very responsibly. By working with us they have ensured their lakes and the wider environment is protected. We urge others to do the same."

Sgt David Handforth of the MoD said: “It is encouraging that the Environment Agency and the Ministry of Defence can work together in partnership, to help make this fishery available to anglers in the future.”

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