Status and conservation of euryhaline fish in Irish waters

Abstract

1. Ireland's fish fauna comprises at least 31 species that could be classified as euryhaline. This group includes 12 diadromous species, 3 non‐migratory species, and 16 essentially marine and/or estuarine species. Twenty‐four species are regarded as indigenous, 6 as occasional vagrants from other biogeographical zones and one was introduced by man during the last century. Fourteen species are considered to be widespread, 11 local, and 6 rare. 2. The biology of euryhaline fish makes them particularly vulnerable to any degradation of the coastal and estuarine environments. However, relatively few studies have been carried out on the biology and distribution of most species of Irish euryhaline fish. This lack of basic information is of particular concern, considering that 35% (11) of our euryhaline species are considered to be threatened. 3. Although 8 of our euryhaline species are listed in the Red Data Book on Irish Vertebrates(Whilde, 1993) and in various annexes and appendices of the Bern Convention (Anon, 1982) and EU Habitats Directive(Anon, 1992), only one of these species (Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.) is currently afforded protection by any specific national legislation in Ireland. It is recommended that research should be directed at assessing the current status of our euryhaline fish and that appropriate national protection should be afforded to threatened species. ©1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.