Overview of the impacts of introduced salmonids on Australian native fauna

About the report

This series of national overviews was commissioned by the Invasive Species Program to enable existing knowledge on the impact of introduced species on the natural environment to be collated and examined for key knowledge gaps. The impact of introduced animals on native species is an area that has been little studied in Australia. More often than not, the impact of introduced species is assumed rather than quantified.

Five species of salmonids were introduced into Australia in the late 1800's. Since that time salmonids, particularly trout, have become widely distributed in certain areas of Australia and form a significant component of recreational fishing. However, in some places, at some times, salmonids can constitute a threat to populations of native fish, like the endangered Barred galaxias.

This review on the impacts of introduced salmonids on Australian fauna is a comprehensive document providing excellent material for future research and planning for freshwater fisheries management. It is an invaluable contribution to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency's pursuit for information on the identified impacts of various introduced species and recommends a number of options to further investigate, clarify and contend with recognised impacts. I hope that it will be well utilised by all agencies and individuals concerned with biodiversity conservation.