'Dangerous' Goldfish Spotted

A GOLDFISH believed to weigh 5lb evaded officers from The Environment Agency during a recent survey of the Hampden Pond in Wendover.

However, environment officers have said that the presence of the goldfish is threatening the existing carp population in the pond as a new hybrid species has been created. The Environment Agency have now sent out a warning to Wendover residents of the dangers of releasing goldfish into the wild.

Officers said that, although harmless in a fish tank or garden pond, goldfish can have a detrimental affect on the native fish species in lakes and ponds.

Released into the wild, goldfish can grow in size and numbers and have been known to mate with wild crucian carp creating a hybrid species.

This interbreeding threatens the native population of pure crucian carp. Goldfish can also carry diseases and parasites that are not normally present in wild fish populations.

By releasing goldfish into the wild you are also breaking two laws including Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act and Section 30 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fishery Act.

To report an environmental crime call the Environment Agency's hotline on 0800 807060.

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