Invasive Fish Species Run Rampant at Niaosong Wetland — Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society Issues Fishing Permits: "Anglers Wanted!"

the Editor says: When aggressive, carnivorous non-native species invade native aquatic ecosystems, they cause serious ecological damage and throw the natural balance into disarray — so what can be done? The Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society has put forward a concrete and effective management approach: not only does it provide volunteers with relevant training on how to identify non-native species, it also allows fishing-enthusiast volunteers to put their favourite pastime to work by helping remove invasive fish through angling. BlueTrend thinks this is absolutely brilliant — read on to learn more about the initiative! <Full article reprinted from the Environmental Information Center, reported by reporter Li Yu-qin in Kaohsiung>

The aggressive, carnivorous non-native fish species — snakehead (Channa argus) and giant snakehead (Channa micropeltes) — have become a serious problem in waterways across southern Taiwan in recent years. To remove invasive fish species from Niaosong Wetland Park, the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society has this year replaced one-off single-day removal events with a fishing permit system, allowing volunteer anglers to visit the wetland on their own schedule to fish on regular weekdays — removing non-native species while enjoying a personal recreational activity at the same time.

Invasive Species Threaten Wetland Ecology — Wild Bird Society Calls on the Public to Help with Fishing

The Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society explains that Niaosong Wetland — located on the banks of Chengching Lake in Kaohsiung and managed by the Society under an adoption agreement — had previously banned fishing entirely. However, a significant number of snakeheads and giant snakeheads have appeared, preying on native fish and disrupting the aquatic ecosystem. Protected species that inhabit the water, such as the pheasant-tailed jacana and the common moorhen, are also facing mounting pressure. In response, the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society partnered with lure fishing clubs to organise an annual one-day fishing event to remove the invasive species.

Su Yu-jen, Director of Niaosong Wetland Park at the Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society, noted that starting this year, the Society has adopted a fishing permit model inspired by practices in Europe and the United States. Volunteers willing to help are first required to complete relevant training courses and pass an exam; those who do are issued an official unit fishing permit, allowing them to book time slots and fish at Niaosong Wetland independently. This represents a groundbreaking first in Taiwan.

Su Yu-jen added that Niaosong Wetland is the closest natural park to the urban core, giving the public easy access to a rich ecosystem without travelling far. For fishing enthusiasts, it offers an excellent recreational angling environment. The fishing permit initiative invites volunteer anglers to help remove snakeheads and giant snakeheads, with the goal of combining effective management with volunteer training — teaching participants how to identify non-native species and understand ecological conservation. By fishing to remove invasive species, volunteers can enjoy personal recreation while contributing to effective park management and helping to deter poaching.

Eco-Friendly Fishing with a Leisure Twist — 14 Invasive Fish Removed Since July

Su Yu-jen explained that volunteer anglers use lure fishing, which is particularly effective at targeting snakeheads and giant snakeheads with minimal risk of catching other species by mistake. Lure fishing involves the use of intricately crafted artificial bait; anglers repeatedly cast and retrieve the lure to attract fish. Because no ground bait or powdered feed is used, water quality is not affected — making it widely regarded as an eco-friendly fishing method, and one that has grown increasingly popular as a recreational sport in recent years. "Any invasive fish caught by volunteers at Niaosong Wetland will be humanely dispatched, while any native species accidentally caught will be released on the spot," said Su Yu-jen.

Su Yu-jen reported that in the roughly one month since the programme launched in early July, volunteers have caught five snakeheads, eight giant snakeheads, and one Mozambique tilapia — a highly productive outcome. The Kaohsiung Wild Bird Society plans to hold another training session in September and open applications for fishing permits, inviting members of the public with an interest in angling to sign up as volunteers and help remove invasive species from Niaosong Wetland — joining hands to protect the wetland ecosystem.