This policy document of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) concerns coarse fish (freshwater fish other than salmonids of species listed under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife Act 1990). Coarse fish are not native to the Isle of Man. There is potential for non-native fish to damage the Island’s native fish populations and aquatic habitats, as well as threatening the Island’s fish disease-free status. All of the non-native freshwater fish species known to be present on the Island are of recreational interest. The document aims to protect the Island’s freshwater ecology by imposing strict limitations on movement and importation of fish species with potential to harm native wildlife and habitat, and the economically important fish disease-free status. There is a presumption that certain listed species may harm the ecosystem. For these species approval of the Department is required. Should an additional existing population of the coarse fish listed under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife Act 1990 be discovered, the Department may consider recognising the population and allowing it to remain in situ providing there is no compelling reason why this may be inappropriate.
Isle of Man (UK) · 2015-04-01