Publication Date:
2021-07-03
Description:
In Britain, many birds eat fish in fresh waters but only three species, cormorant, red-breasted merganser and goosander, are commonly perceived to present serious problems for freshwater fisheries. Complaints are mainly that cormorants eat large fish and that all three bird species eat so many juvenile fish, that there are subsequently fewer fish to be harvested or angled, but alsothat persistent predation by birds changes fish behaviour so that they are less 'catchable'.To this end, this report reviews existing information on the current status, foraging ecology, and population biologyof the three bird species as background to their potential impact on fisheries. Discusses fish population dynamics within the context of predation effects. Reviews existing experimental evidence for impacts on fish populations and fisheries; and describes current legislation, discusses potential criteria for serious damage to a fishery, andsuggests ways forward for NRA policy and research.
Description:
Environment Agency Archives North West
Description:
R and D Project Record 461/8/N and Y
Keywords:
Environment
;
Fisheries
;
Limnology
;
Great Britain
;
Europe
;
River fisheries
;
Freshwater fish
;
Predators
;
Predator control
;
Fish populations
;
Environmental assessment
Repository Name:
AquaDocs
Type:
monograph
Format:
application/pdf
Format:
application/pdf
Format:
106
