First ever red list of endangered freshwater fish species

Two species have been identified as being at risk

The Island's first-ever red list of endangered freshwater fish species has been produced, identifying the European Eel and the Atlantic Salmon as at risk.

The list is part of a major new study titled 'Freshwater Fish of Concern in the Isle of Man', jointly produced by the Manx Wildlife Trust and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The study highlights the importance of conservation, better-targeted research and management, and the need to collate information on threats to native species.

The process uses the most recent data from decades of research and employs a traffic light system to indicate the conservation status of each species.

Criteria for the assessment include recent and historical population trends in the Isle of Man, the severity of threats such as habitat degradation or climate change, and the importance of the Manx population in an international context.

Only species with an identifiable freshwater phase within their life history are included.