The role of anglers' perceptions and habits in biological invasions: perspectives from the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

1. Anglers are a recognized vector for invasive fauna, with both intentional and accidental introductions reported worldwide.2. The purpose of this study was to investigate the Iberian freshwater angler's habits and perceptions related to biological invasions, using an international and bilingual survey in Spain and Portugal.3. The results showed that anglers from both countries cover great distances to fish, and that they commonly visit several places and fish during consecutive days, representing a major risk for invasions. Yet, anglers' activity patterns throughout the year are not constant: the summer months involve more intense activity and, hence, entail higher risk.4. In both countries, the preferred fish species were invasive, and their introductions were reported more often than native species, with motivations being country-dependent.5. The use of live bait was not frequent, but sometimes invasive species were used and the release of unused bait in the water was reported very frequently.6. Most anglers recognize that introductions have environmental impacts and that anglers have an active role in intentional introductions. However, only a minority is aware of the angler's role in accidental transportation of invasive species. 7. These findings on anglers' behaviour patterns and perceptions may be used to model invasion risks and also improve monitoring and awareness programmes led by government agencies.

Die Hard: impact of aquatic disinfectants on the survival and viability of invasive Elodea nuttallii

“…Anthropogenic activities such as angling, boating, and the aquatic pet and ornamental plant trades have likely facilitated a substantial portion of damaging AIS introductions (Johnson et al 2001;Rothlisberger et al 2010;Banha et al 2017;Dickey et al 2018). Accordingly, although the identity of vectors responsible for the dispersal of AIS are not always known (Caffrey et al 2016;Coughlan et al 2017c), spreadprevention through efficient, cost-effective and widely applicable biosecurity protocols has become integral to AIS management strategies (Anderson et al 2014: Booy et al 2017Piria et al 2017).…”

“…Therefore, spread-prevention is considered key to mitigating further invader impacts (Booy et al 2017;Coughlan et al 2018b;Crane et al 2018;. However, due to their exposure to a plethora of natural and anthropogenic vectors, freshwater systems remain highly susceptible to invader spread, colonisation, establishment and reinvasion (Rothlisberger et al 2010;Banha et al 2017;Coughlan et al 2017a,c). Accordingly, there is an urgent need for innovative and simple prevention protocols that maximise inhibition of invader spread, but remain user and environmentally friendly (Sutcliffe et al 2018;Coughlan et al 2018c;Crane et al 2018;Shannon et al 2018).…”

The commercialization and use of exotic baits in recreational fisheries in the north‐western Mediterranean: Environmental and management implications

“…Thus, the development of educational tools addressed to anglers, such as the elaboration of codes of good practice and the implementation of partnership charters between stakeholders (local retailers, recreational fishing associations, fishing charters) and fishery managers, should be undertaken in order to mitigate the potential impact and undesired introductions of exotic baits. In addition, the assessment of recreational fishing perceptions relating to introductions and their implications should be assessed to optimize future awareness campaigns (Banha, Diniz, & Anastácio, ).…”

Parched plants: survival and viability of invasive aquatic macrophytes following exposure to various desiccation regimes

“…While vectors that underpin the natural dispersal of AIS are frequently unknown (Coughlan et al 2017c), freshwater systems are highly vulnerable to accidental or deliberate AIS introductions due to their exposure to multiple transport pathways (Dudgeon et al 2006;Banha and Anastácio 2015;Banha et al 2016). Despite a restricted ability to self-disperse, an abundance of AIS have successfully managed to rapidly colonise and recolonise hydrological unconnected sites (e.g.…”