Wildlife Welfare

Aquatic Invasive Species Welfare Further

Aquatic invasive species cause welfare impacts on native fish, amphibians, and invertebrates through predation, competition, and disease spread.

Key Facts

Signal crayfish in UK rivers devastate native white-clawed crayfish through disease and competition
American mink introduced in Europe has caused severe decline of water vole and ground-nesting birds
Invasive fish such as zander and topmouth gudgeon disrupt native fish welfare through predation
Control methods vary in welfare impact, from trapping to electric fishing and lethal methods
Biosecurity regulations aim to prevent further introductions but enforcement is challenging

Welfare Considerations

Managing invasive species to protect native wildlife is a welfare imperative, but control methods must be chosen to minimise suffering of both invasive and native animals.

What You Can Do

Never release aquarium fish or crayfish into wild waters
Follow biosecurity protocols when moving between water bodies
Support humane invasive species control programmes