UK Wildlife

Goosander River Fish-Eater Conservation

The goosander is a large sawbill duck that breeds beside upland rivers and has expanded its UK range significantly, though it remains controversial due to fish predation.

Key Facts

Goosanders nest in tree holes or nest boxes beside rivers and lochs
UK breeding population expanded from Scotland to reach northern England since the 1970s
Female has chestnut head, male has dark green head and pink-white body
Saw-like bill edges grip slippery fish including salmon and trout
Can be legally killed under licence on some rivers due to claimed impacts on salmon

Welfare Considerations

Goosanders face persecution in some areas due to perceived impacts on fish populations, though evidence for significant population-level effects is limited. Legal killing under licence raises welfare concerns. Research suggests other factors drive most fish population changes.

What You Can Do

Support evidence-based approaches to goosander management rather than blanket culling
Provide nest boxes beside rivers to support goosander breeding populations
Advocate for research into actual goosander impacts on fish populations before lethal control