The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
Our rivers, canals, lakes and ponds are under attack. Plants and animals from other countries are finding their way into our waterways after being imported for ornamental or agricultural use.
Many of these foreign species wither and die, as they're not adapted for our specific climate. Others survive, but don't spread rapidly. A few spread like wildfire, without the natural controls of diseases, predators and grazers that exist in their native country. They can therefore do massive damage to our water, environment and fisheries.
Read about invasive and non-native fish species by following the links below and on the right.
The bitterling has established itself in a number of ponds, small lakes and canals in the UK.
The catfish is the largest freshwater fish within the UK and probably also within Europe.
Zander are a member of the perch family but with the predatory feeding behaviour of the pike.
Topmouth gudgeon are a small freshwater fish native to Asia.
This is a small and very colourful fish.
The grass carp can grow to a large size and they are a powerful, muscular fish.
Last Edited: 18 February 2025
Sign up to our newsletter and discover how we protect canals and help nature thrive
