The rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) could be detected in all 251 catchment areas. | Photo: Pixabay
Like no other being, humans have contributed to the loss of native species and the global spread of exotic species over time. A new IGB study under the direction of Nike Sommerwerk reveals the serious changes in European freshwater fish fauna over the last 170 years. In the 251 catchment areas investigated, the total number of fish species has increased. However, an average of around one-fifth of the original fish fauna has been displaced by non-native species. The main causes for the spread of alien species are the aquaculture industry, commercial fishing, recreational fishing and the – prohibited! – exposure of ornamental fish. In terms of their "fish species inventory", Europe's river basins have become more and more homogenous – with unpredictable consequences for the ecosystem.
Contact the lead author: sommerwerk@igb-berlin.de
