An assessment of a proposal to eradicate non-native fish from priority rivers in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa

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Date
2012Author
Marr, S.M.
Impson, N.D.
Tweddle, D.
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Non-native fish are considered the most important threat to the survival of the indigenous freshwater fishes in the
Cape Floristic Region (CFR). A pilot project to evaluate the use of the piscicide rotenone to eradicate non-native fish
from selected reaches in four rivers has been proposed by CapeNature, the conservation authority of the Western
Cape province, South Africa. Each river has unique characteristics and challenges to achieving the eradication
of non-native fish and the restoration of its indigenous fish assemblage. The proposal is described and the
management methods available for reducing the impact of non-native fish on indigenous species are discussed. An
environmental impact assessment (EIA) concluded that the project was justified and necessary, the choice of rivers
sound, and supported the use of piscicides. The need for the project, the selection of sites and the findings of the
EIA are discussed. It is expected that the project will be successful while having minimal impact on other aquatic
fauna. The successful completion of the pilot project could help establish methods to eradicate non-native fish from
critical biodiversity areas in South Africa. Such projects must, however, be part of a comprehensive conservation
management plan to be implemented by conservation agencies in the CFR.