Browsing by Author "Banha, F."
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- Angler’s preferences, perceptions and practices regarding non-native freshwater fishPublication . Banha, F.; Gago, João; Margalejo, D.; Feijão, J.; Casals, F.; Anastácio, P.M.; Ribeiro, F.It is globally recognized that freshwater anglers can have a decisive role in promoting fish introductions. The aim of this study was to analyze fresh water anglers’ actions and perceptions regarding fish introductions, comparing two distinct situations, one with recently arrived non-natives fishes and another with older fish introductions, using the Iberian Peninsula as a case study. To achieve this goal, a bilingual survey was implemented on-line in Portugal and Spain and in person (direct inquiries) in two Iberian regions: Lower Ebro (older fsh introductions) in Spain; and Lower Tagus (recent fish introductions) in Portugal. Results showed spatial diferences in perceptions and actions, namely about the target species, awareness of the impact of non-native fishes, fish introductions reported and proportion of anglers that wanted new fish species. In the Ebro river there is a high percentage of foreign anglers, higher awareness of fish introduction impact and lower introduction rates reported than in the Tagus river. However, popularity of non-native species like European catfish, was higher in the Ebro. In general, although risk behaviors such as use of fish as life bait was of low prevalence for both countries (approx. 5%), it corresponds to large numbers of fish being introduced. Our conservative estimates revealed 273,600 events of bait discharge per year. Regarding the intentional introductions, we estimated a total of 140,000 intentional introduction (illegal) events per year. These findings may help to improve monitoring, awareness and fisheries management programs led by governmental agencies.
- Evaluating the range expansion of recreational non-native fishes in Portuguese freshwaters using scientific and citizen science dataPublication . Martelo, J.; Costa, L. M.; Ribeiro, D.; Gago, João; Magalhães, M. F.; Gante, H. F.; Alves, M. J.; Cheoo, G.; Gkenas, C.; Banha, F.; Gama, M.; Anastácio, P. M.; Tiago, P. M.; Ribeiro, F.Updating information on the distribution of recently introduced and other poorly known non-natives is essential to prevent and control their spread and better address biological invasions. Here, we combine scientific and citizen science data to update the distribution of five recently arrived (i.e., < 25 years), non-native fish species (Alburnus alburnus, Ameiurus melas, Rutilus rutilus, Sander lucioperca and Silurus glanis) and one rare, longer established (i.e., > 50 years), non-native (Esox lucius) in Portugal. These species have been increasingly targeted by recreational fishermen, thus likely expanding their distribution. Specifically, we obtained distribution maps for each species, based on data gathered through a comprehensive search for records in 1) scientific literature, 2) unpublished reports of research projects, and 3) citizen science databases. We gathered 443 valid records, of which 64% were from citizen science data, mainly provided by recreational fishermen. Data highlighted that all species have expanded their distribution in the last 20 years, with high numbers of new records for A. alburnus, S. lucioperca and S. glanis, mostly located in the Tagus, Guadiana and Douro river basins. Changes in species distributions reflected dispersal within invaded basins and colonisation of previously unoccupied drainages. Integrating citizen science with scientific data provides an effective framework to understand non-native species introduction and spread, stressing the need for increasingly encourage and engage recreational fishermen in information sharing.
- Spatial distribution patterns of the non-native European catfish, Silurus glanis, from multiple onlinesources : a case study for the River Tagus (IberianPeninsula)Publication . Gago, João; Anastácio, P.; Gkenas, C.; Banha, F.; Ribeiro, F.Effective management of invasive fishes depends on the availability of updated information about their distribution and spatial dispersion. Forensic analysis was performed using online and published data on the European catfish, Silurus glanis L., a recent invader in the Tagus catchment (Iberian Peninsula). Eighty records were obtained mainly from anglers’ fora and blogs, and more recently from www.youtube.com. Since the first record in 1998, S. glanis expanded its geographic range by ≈700 km of river network, occurring mainly in reservoirs and in high-order reaches. Human-mediated and natural dispersal events were identified, with the former occurring during the first years of invasion and involving movements of >50 km. Downstream dispersal directionality was predominant. The analysis of online data from anglers was found to provide useful information on the distribution and dispersal patterns of this non-native fish, and is potentially applicable as a preliminary, exploratory assessment tool for other non-native fishes.