Topmouth Gudgeon - Clissold Park

Subject: Topmouth Gudgeon - Clissold Park Mon Jan 19, 2015 10:15 pm

Topmouth gudgeon have been found in Clissold Park, Hackney.
It is going to be wiped out with rotenone in February.

This is paid for by "Water Framework Directive" money.
Rod licence money is NOT used.

Info:

CDM-#15107474-v1-QA_Clissold_TMG_2015.pdf

and

CDM-#15107476-v1-Invasive_NNS_Framework_Strategy_GB_E_1.pdf

Posts : 738 Join date : 2011-11-14 Location : Kingston

This is a few minutes north of me.

I can see why they are going for the nuclear option (i.e. total fish kill).

If you look at a map, the ponds ("Hackney Brook") look like they are fed / feed into the New River, and probably form part of the greater Lee Valley watercourse (Lee River is about 1km to the East). If they get out from there they could very quickly spread across East and North London.

I don't see any other way this could have been introduced than someone releasing stock from an aqurium. There are only a small number of aquarium shops in East London - hopefully the authorities will run spot checks on these to make sure they're not selling them.

Ed if they are willing to share the actual date of the operation I could see if I can make it there to see what turns up in the fish kill.

Subject: Re: Topmouth Gudgeon - Clissold Park Tue Jan 20, 2015 11:21 am

I have asked Neil Winter (EA fisheries) whether you will be able to witness the event.
My guess is, since the park is to be kept open, there's nothing to stop you watching other than you may have to stand behind a cordon.
We just need to know the date.

Topmouth gudgeon eradication and control is part of a 5 year Water Framework Directive programme and is funded directly from Defra. Therefore, rod licence funding is not used to deliver this work. The Environment Agency has committed to eradicate the species from England by 2017. We are very much on target to do this.

Our approach provide the following desired outcomes:

-timely and effective management and eradication of high risk invasive non-native species in line with Defra targets and GB strategy
-delivery of rapid response to new, novel invasive threats
-protection and enhancement of our native species and habitats
-reduction in the socio-economic impacts and costs associated with invasive non-native species
-prevention of waterbodies failing to achieve or maintain “good ecological status”, under Water Framework Directive.

The frequently asked questions document you have been emailed answers many questions at a specific site. The GB strategy also highlights where this area of work sites in a national context.

Subject: Re: Topmouth Gudgeon - Clissold Park Tue Jan 20, 2015 3:01 pm

DO THEY GO WELL WITH TOAST and mymite like the vick-tor-I-ons used to do, a 150yrs age,

Subject: Re: Topmouth Gudgeon - Clissold Park Wed Jan 21, 2015 5:12 pm

Thanks for your email and interest.

Unfortunately though I am unable to disclose the exact date of the operation for the following reasons; which I hope you can appreciate:

1. These operations are a pending Enforcement Action and therefore we are unable to disclose information that may be used in a prosecution.

2. Conducting a rotenone treatment is weather dependent and subject to shift if weather conditions are unfavourable at very short notice

3. There are health and safety considerations of conducting a rotenone treatment for operational staff and members of the public. We have to restrict access as Health and Safety is paramount; creating a safe working environment for our staff and members of the public that may be in the location.

However, if this is an area of EA work of interest to TAC members I would be more than happy to offer for TAC to organise an evening where I can attend and do a talk/presentation on non-native species with a particular focus on control methods including rotenone for control of Topmouth gudgeon and Black bullhead catfish.

Would this be of interest to TAC and a suitable compromise?

Many thanks
Neil Winter

Subject: Re: Topmouth Gudgeon - Clissold Park Fri Feb 20, 2015 4:40 pm

Just now saw on twitter that the Clissold Park eradication was done earlier this week.

https://twitter.com/EnvAgencySE/status/568754530344689664/photo/1

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/environment-agency-winning-the-war-on-destructive-invasive-fish