Amsterdam protects native fish in Brouwersgracht from invasive species
Amsterdam is taking action to preserve the unique fish population in Brouwersgracht by removing invasive species like goldfish. Residents are urged not to release non-native fish to protect local biodiversity and prevent disease spread.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Brouwersgracht, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Native Fish Species | Golden tench, koi carp |
| Invasive Species | Goldfish (exotic, prohibited in open water) |
| Action Taken | Removal of invasive species, health monitoring, veterinary intervention |
| Legal Basis | Dutch nature legislation |
| Optimal Removal Season | Winter (low water temperature) |
The municipality of Amsterdam is responsible for managing urban waterways, including the preservation of local ecosystems and enforcement of nature legislation. This includes monitoring fish populations and preventing the spread of invasive species that could harm native biodiversity.
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Read the full translated article below
This is how we take care of the fish in Brouwersgracht
Brouwersgracht is home to various species of fish, creating a unique sight that many people enjoy. We want to keep it that way. That’s why we ensure these fish can continue to thrive, using several methods.
We monitor the fish species
We keep track of which fish are swimming in the canal. Not every species is allowed in open water like canals, ponds, and ditches. Currently, we have golden tench and koi carp, but we sometimes also spot goldfish. Goldfish are an exotic species, meaning they do not naturally occur in this water. According to Dutch nature legislation, it is prohibited to release such fish into open water. That’s why we remove these fish from the water, preferably in winter when the water temperature is low—this makes catching them easier.
We monitor fish health
We also keep an eye on the fish’s health. Recently, we noticed some sick fish, which will soon be removed from the water by a veterinarian. This prevents unnecessary suffering and stops potential spread of disease to other fish.
Will you help?
Do not release fish into the canal. This prevents fish from swimming in the water that don’t belong there, allowing everyone to continue enjoying the colorful fish in Brouwersgracht.
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