We want the Government to reclassify Wels catfish (Silurus glanis) from "non-native invasive" to "non-native" only, similar to Common Carp. Alongside this, review and update the Import of Live Fish Act 1980 to allow more flexible licensing for stocking in managed, low-risk fisheries across the UK.
Wels catfish have been in UK waters since 1880. Despite their "invasive" classification, they have existed in managed fisheries for over 140 years without, in our view, damaging local ecosystems. We believe they provide a significant economic boost to the UK angling industry and rural economies. Following the British Record Fish Committee’s recent decision to accept a Wels record, we think that our proposed change to classification would better reflect their status as a valued sporting fish rather than an invasive alien species.