Friday, March 29, 2024
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Territorians on alert for feral fish

AN outbreak of introduced Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) in the NT’s Fogg Dam and the Adelaide River floodplain highlights just how vulnerable our aquatic environment is to introduced plants and animals.

The Amateur Fishermens Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) is calling on all Territorians to do the right thing and protect waterways from noxious and introduced pest plants and animals.

“AFANT is extremely concerned with the reports of Siamese fighting fish which have been found in large numbers at two locations east of Darwin and the potential impact this outbreak could have on the native fish and other wetland species of the NT,” said AFANT President Warren de With.

“Once outbreaks like the Fogg Dam Siamese fighting fish occur it is often impossible to control or eradicate the invasion. Introduced pests pose a significant threat to native fish and the environment; they can compete for food, predate on and pose a real disease risk to our unique native fish and frogs.”

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Image: Nathan Litjens

AFANT is calling on members of the public to report any sightings of feral or introduced fish and weeds, particularly the Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens).

“AFANT will work with the NT Government to see what can be done in relation to this issue and will keep recreational fishers informed of any developments” Mr de With said.

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