23.08.2021, 11:34h
The extraction of invasive fish species in Krka NP is heating up
The local population, protectors of the natural values of the Krka River, extracted 151 pike from the Krka River in July alone, as part of the eradication programme for this invasive river fish
Despite the summer heat, July was the most successful month for the local anglers and the Public Institute of Krka National Park, who set out to catch as many invasive river fish species as possible, especially pike. During the activities as part of the Pilot project of selective extraction of freshwater fish species from the watercourses in Krka National Park, last month 14 anglers caught a total of 151 pike at the locations Torak, Nos Kalik, Visovac Lake and at the Krka monastery.
The aim of the pilot project is to selectively extract alien freshwater fish species from the watercourses in the park area to reduce the density of their populations. This in turn reduces the negative impacts they have on the native fish community, and re-establishes adequate conditions for the native fish species, allowing for their improved survival. Reducing the impacts of invasive species, preventing their spread and aiming to eradicate them wherever possible is considered a priority to protect the biological diversity in the European Union, and Croatia has placed strong emphasis on these activities.
Due to the introduced alien species that threaten the indigenous river species, the Protocol for the extraction of alien species was drafted, and in line with the protocol, the hunt for the invasive pike began along the shores of the Krka.
We would like to thank all the anglers for recognising the importance of this campaign and accepting our invitation to work with us in protecting this river ecosystem. To date, 65 local anglers have applied to take part in the programme. Considering that this is a long-term project, its success will depend on the ongoing organisation of extraction activities. The data collected by anglers will also be used as one of the methods to monitor the condition of the ecosystem.
In addition to selective fishing, the project will also include education on the topic of the importance of monitoring the population sizes of invasive species and methods for their permanent reduction. This education will be held by eminent experts who participated in developing the Protocol, headed up by Professor Dr. Davor Zanella from the Division of Zoology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb.
Endemic and rare freshwater fish make the Krka River, in the ichthyological sense, a natural monument of the highest national and international categories. Fish are important bioindicators of the quality of the environment, and so the condition of their populations and their presence in Krka National Park are strong indicators of the preservation of the quality of water in the Krka River.
