An Integrated Assessment of the Introduction of Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles complex) to the Western Atlantic Ocean.

Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles complex) are venomous coral reef fishes from the Indian and western Pacific oceans that are now found in the western Atlantic Ocean. Adult lionfish have been observed from Miami, Florida to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and juvenile lionfish have been observed off North Carolina, New York, and Bermuda. The large number of adults observed and the occurrence of juveniles indicate that lionfish are established and reproducing along the southeast United States coast. Introductions of marine species occur in many ways. Ballast water discharge, a very common method of introduction for marine invertebrates, is responsible for many freshwater fish introductions. In contrast, most marine fish introductions result from intentional stocking for fishery purposes. Lionfish, however, likely were introduced via unintentional or intentional aquarium releases, and the introduction of lionfish into United States waters should lead to an assessment of the threat posed by the aquarium trade as a vector for fish introductions. Currently, no management actions are being taken to limit the effect of lionfish on the southeast United States continental shelf ecosystem. Further, only limited funds have been made available for research. Nevertheless, the extent of the introduction has been documented and a forecast of the maximum potential spread of lionfish is being developed. Under a scenario of no management actions and limited research, three predictions are made: ● With no action, the lionfish population will continue to grow along the southeast United States shelf. ● Effects on the marine ecosystem of the southeast United States will become more noticeable as the lionfish population grows. ● There will be incidents of lionfish envenomations of divers and/or fishers along the east coast of the United States. Removing lionfish from the southeast United States continental shelf ecosystem would be expensive and likely impossible. A bounty could be established that would encourage the removal of fish and provide specimens for research. However, the bounty would need to be lower than the price of fish in the aquarium trade (~$25-$50 each) to ensure that captured specimens were from the wild. Such a low bounty may not provide enough incentive for capturing lionfish in the wild. Further, such action would only increase the interaction between the public and lionfish, increasing the risk of lionfish envenomations. As the introduction of lionfish is very likely irreversible, future actions should focus on five areas. 1) The population of lionfish should be tracked. 2) Research should be conducted so that scientists can make better predictions regarding the status of the invasion and the effects on native species, ecosystem function, and ecosystem services. 3) Outreach and education efforts must be increased, both specifically toward lionfish and more generally toward the aquarium trade as a method of fish introductions. 4) Additional regulation should be considered to reduce the frequency of marine fish introduction into U.S. waters. However, the issue is more complicated than simply limiting the import of non-native species, and these complexities need to be considered simultaneously. 5) Health care providers along the east coast of the United States need to be notified that a venomous fish is now resident along the southeast United States. The introduction and spread of lionfish illustrates the difficulty inherent in managing introduced species in marine systems. Introduced species often spread via natural mechanisms after the initial introduction. Efforts to control the introduction of marine fish will fail if managers do not consider the natural dispersal of a species following an introduction. Thus, management strategies limiting marine fish introductions need to be applied over the scale of natural ecological dispersal to be effective, pointing to the need for a regional management approach defined by natural processes not by political boundaries. The introduction and success of lionfish along the east coast should change the long-held perception that marine fish invasions are a minimal threat to marine ecosystems. Research is needed to determine the effects of specific invasive fish species in specific ecosystems. More broadly, a cohesive plan is needed to manage, mitigate and minimize the effects of marine invasive fish species on ecosystems that are already compromised by other human activities. Presently, the magnitude of marine fish introductions as a stressor on marine ecosystems cannot be quantified, but can no longer be dismissed as negligible. (PDF contains 31 pages)

The microbiological quality of water: the nature of the problem

Improvements in methods for the detection and enumeration of microbes in water, particularly the application of techniques of molecular biology, have highlighted shortcomings in the ”standard methods” for assessing water quality. Higher expectations from the consumer and increased publicity associated with pollution incidents can lead to an uncoupling of the cycle which links methodological development with standard-setting and legislation. The new methodology has also highlighted problems within the water cycle, related to the introduction, growth and metabolism of microbes. A greater understanding of the true diversity of the microbial community and the ability to transmit genetic information within aquatic systems ensures that the subject of this symposium and volume provides an ideal forum to discuss the problems encountered by both researcher and practitioner.

Report on the 1995 stock assessment of the Douglas catchment

The River Douglas has a long industrial heritage beginning in the early 18th century with its use by boats carrying goods between Wigan and Tarleton. The River and its tributaries have also historically been, and to a certain extent are still, subject to polluting inputs from the urban, agricultural and industrialised areas located within its catchment. During the early stages in the production of the River Douglas Catchment Management Plan, it became apparent that very little data existed on the populations of coarse and salmonid fish species within the River Douglas system. The data that did exist was largely anecdotal, consisting of catch reports from anglers or water bailiffs, or of dead and distressed fish following pollution incidents. This study was initiated to assess the status of coarse and salmonid fish species within the River Douglas system and so address the lack of knowledge. Eighty two sites were surveyed by electric fishing, including 14 sites using an electric fishing punt and up to four anodes. The data was analysed according to a new National Fisheries Classification Scheme. This classified the sites by the fish stock s present and compared the results with a database containing information from sites around the country that have similar habitat types. A stocking experiment was also undertaken in the River Lostock using chub reared at the Leyland Hatchery. These were marked with an identifiable blue spot in the spring of 1995 and then released into three, previously surveyed, locations in the river. These sites were then resurveyed during the summer stock assessment. This report also Site Reports with details on monitored sites, habitat features and fishery classification.

Mersey & Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee 26th October, 1977

This is the report from the Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 26th October, 1977. It covers fisheries income and expenditure, licence duties, and information on the development of potential fisheries. It also includes the report by the area fisheries officer on fisheries activities which includes information on general fisheries management, fish transfer and stocking and fish mortalities and pollution incidents. Included in this report is the pruchase of fish transporation equipment, experimental fish culture and fish survey works. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

South & West Cumberland Fisheries Advisory Committee 3rd April, 1978

This is the report from the South and West Cumberland Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 3rd April, 1978. It covers information on Eskett Quarries, fisheries income and expenditure, British Steel Corporation's works at Workington effluent disposal and terminated angling leases. It also includes the report by the area fisheries officer on river conditions and fishing, migratory fish movements and Holmwrangle hatchery. Included in this report is also pollution incidents, fish disease and Yearl Weir fish counter. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Mersey & Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee 12th April, 1978

This is the report from the Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 12th April, 1978. It covers information on fisheries income and expenditure, the pilot warm-water coarse fish hatching and rearing installation at Great Sankey, annual fishing permits on reservoirs and terminated angling leases. It also includes the report by the area fisheries officer on river conditions and fishing, and an update on Tintwistle hatchery and Worthington Stock Pools. Included in this report is also the stocking numbers of coarse fish, brown trout and rainbow trout by the Angling Associations, pollution incidents and fish mortalities and fisheries management. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Mersey & Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee 21st June, 1978

This is the report from the Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 21st June, 1978. It covers information on the monitoring of radioactivity in migratory fish, fishing offences and prosecutions and the income from sale of rod and line licences. It also includes the report by the area fisheries officer on river conditions and fishing, and an update on Tintwistle hatchery and Worthington Stock Pools. Included in this report is also the pollution incidents, fish mortalities, fisheries management and the stocking numbers of coarse fish, brown trout and rainbow trout by the Angling Associations. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Mersey & Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee 27th October, 1976.

This is the report from the Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 27th October, 1976. The report contains sections on fish stocking, fisheries activities, weed growth in the River Weaver, pollution incidents and the drought situation. The section on fish stocking includes background information about fish stocking by the authority; difficulties; migratory fish; stocking after pollution; stocking of Waters within the Region; stocking with coarse fish; and recommendations. The section on fisheries activities includes fish mortalities and biological work on the River Tame, Goyt, Weaver, Mersey, Dane, Dean, and Gowy. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

South Lancashire Fisheries Advisory Committee 18th October, 1978

This is the report from the South Lancashire Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 18th October, 1978. It covers information on fisheries income and expenditure, the study of salmon propagation in England and Wales, work on the future programme of fisheries work and keep nets. Other sections include the report on the effects of Barnoldswick STW on Stock Beck and the River Ribble, information on the Leeds/Liverpool Canal transfer of mine water from Bickershaw Colliery and the future fishing policy of Worthington Reservoir. It also covers the report by the area fisheries officer on fishing activities including river conditions and fishing for salmon, sea trout, and coarse fish, and an update on Langcliffe hatchery. The report also looks at migratory fish movements at Waddow Weir, Winckley Hall and Locks Weir, stocking numbers of brown trout, rainbow trout and coarse fish in various rivers, pollution incidents and fish mortalities. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Lune, Wyre & Furness Fisheries Advisory Committee 24th October, 1978

This is the report from the Lune, Wyre and Furness Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 24th October, 1978. It covers information on fisheries income and expenditure, the study of salmon propagation in England and Wales, work on the future programme of fisheries work and keep nets. Also covered is a brief note on the future water supplies for South West Cumbria, water resource development, cage rearing of salmon smolts in the River Leven and the report by the area fisheries officer on usage of Middleton hatchery. The section on the report by the area fisheries officer on fishing activities includes river conditions for salmon, sea trout, non-migratory trout, Char and coarse fish, and migratory fish movements at Haverthwaite on the River Leven, Broadraine and Forge Weir on the River Lune and Duddon Hall. Stocking numbers of brown trout and rainbow trout in various rivers are also added, as well as predator numbers for various rivers, pollution incidents and fish mortalities, biological work and Skerton Weir. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee 25th October, 1978

This is the report from the Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 25th October, 1978. It covers information on fisheries income and expenditure, work on the future programme of fisheries work and keep nets. Also covered is information on the effects of mine water from Bickershaw Colliery draining into the Leeds/Liverpool Canal. The section on the report by the area fisheries officer on fishing activities includes river conditions and fishing on the Cheshire Meres and an update on Tintwistle and Sankey Hatchery. Stocking numbers of coarse fish and non-migratory trout are also added, as well as pollution incidents and fish mortalities. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee 17th January, 1979

This is the report from the Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 17th January, 1979. It covers the report by the area fisheries officer on fishing activities including river conditions and fishing, an update on Hollingworth and Great Sankey Hatchery, and stocking and/or restocking numbers of coarse fish and non migratory trout by the Angling Associations. Also included are information on fisheries management, pollution incidents and fish mortalities. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

South and West Cumberland Fisheries Advisory Committee 2nd April, 1979

This is the report from the South and West Cumberland Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 2nd April, 1979. It covers the information on the 1978 water quality survey on the Derwent Estuary and the recommended long term objectives for inland river water quality. Also added is the report by the area fisheries officer on fisheries activities which comments on river conditions and fishing and an update on Holmwrangle hatchery including mortalities due to water quality and gill infections in brown trout. It also looks at pollution incidents on the River Ellen and Ehen, Yearl Weir fish counter and data of monthly salmon and migratory trout catches on rod, line, nets and fixed engines for the 1978 season. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Mersey & Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee 20th June, 1979.

This is the report from the Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 20th June 1979. The report contains sections on the minutes of the last meeting along with the minutes of the meeting of the Regional Fisheries Advisory Committee, role and constitution of Local Advisory Committees, Leeds/Liverpool transfer of minewater from Bickershaw Colliery, income from sale of rod and line licences 1978, fishing offences and prosecutions for 1978/1979. The report by the area fisheries officer looks at river conditions and fishing, Hollingsworth and Great Sankey hatcheries, stocking by angling associations and authorities, pollution incidents and fish mortalities. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.

Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee 11th April, 1979

This is the report from the Mersey and Weaver Fisheries Advisory Committee meeting, which was held on the 11th April, 1979. It includes the report by the area fisheries officer on fisheries activities which comments on river conditions and fishing, and an update on Hollingworth hatchery giving numbers of rainbow and brown trout being developed, and Great Sankey giving an update on coarse fish rearing. It also gives stocking numbers of coarse and non migratory fish by angling assoications, fisheries management and pollution incidents. The Fisheries Advisory Committee was part of the Regional Water Authorities, in this case the North West Water Authority. This preceded the Environment Agency which came into existence in 1996.