Community urged to report non-native fish sightings

by Dept Fisheries WA on 9 Oct 2011 The Department of Fisheries WA is urging everyone to report any sightings of non-native (introduced) fish species caught or encountered in our rivers, lakes and dams, following the reported capture of a silver perch in the Swan River at Guildford.

In addition, aquarium owners are being reminded not to release fish into rivers, ponds or lakes or to flush them down toilets or drains.

The silver perch (see picture attached with this media release) is a species that is not native to Western Australia. Like other introduced species, it can have a destructive impact if released into our native and local freshwater ecosystems. Healthy stocks of native fish species play an important role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems and even reducing mosquito numbers by predating on the insect’s larvae.

Following the reported capture of the silver perch by a local recreational fisher in the Lilac Hill Park stretch of the river at Guildford, the Department of Fisheries, in partnership with the Swan River Trust and the Department of Water, undertook a week-long monitoring program to help determine the presence of any more silver perch or other introduced fish species.

To date no more silver perch have been detected but the Department is asking people to be on the look-out for non-native fish in the Swan and in any other water bodies in the State.

Department of Fisheries Aquatic Environment Branch Manager Rae Burrows said: 'We are asking fishers and members of the public to report anything suspicious to us on our Fishwatch number on 1800 815 507.

'People need to be aware that introduced fish species such as carp, redfin perch, tilapia, yabbies, cichlids and goldfish can impact on native fish and invertebrate stocks if released and upset the balance of our iconic freshwater ecosystems. Releasing unwanted pet fish into freshwater environments poses a big threat to the health of our waters.'

More information on introduced fish species can be found at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/pub/IMPFreshwater/index.php?0506

A leaflet produced by the Swan River Trust on feral fish in the Swan Canning Riverpark can be found at http://www.swanrivertrust.wa.gov.au/news/facts/Documents/brochure_feral_fish.pdf

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