City conducts research on indigenous and exotic fish species in local dams
During the past week, netting was done in the Rietvlei dam where nature conservation officials found low numbers of indigenous species.
The Tshwane metro has found low numbers of indigenous fish species at several dams.
“Since August 2020, the city’s nature conservation officials have been conducting a research and survey project at the Rietvlei, Bronkhorstspruit, Struben, Austen Roberts and Kudube dams, to build up a database of indigenous and exotic fish species,” said environment and agriculture MMC Dana Wannenburg.
He said that in the past week, officials caught indigenous species, most of the fish were bass and carp.
“It is common cause that bass is a predatory fish, and their proliferation has a detrimental effect on indigenous species such as kurper and yellow fish. While carp are not predatory, they have a significant impact on the ecosystem.
“They outcompete indigenous fish for food and have a significant impact on water quality, by increasing nutrient levels which contribute to blue-green algae blooms,” he said.
Photo: Supplied
Wannenburg said all the captured bass and carp were removed and replaced with indigenous species such as yellow fish and several sub-species of Tilapia.
“However wish to inform the angling community that the city has no intention to remove all exotic fish species, but will only remove small fry to reduce the pressure on indigenous fish.
“Anglers can rest assured that they will continue to have tight lines when visiting our dams,” he said.
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