“WE MADE MISTAKES” ADMITS OTTER CHARITY
‘Not enough research done before predators’ release’
THE head of the UK’s biggest otter protection group has admitted that organisations like his have ‘made mistakes’ when releasing captive otters into the wild.
David Webb, Chairman of the UK Wild Otter Trust (UKWOT), says ‘it was wrong that little or no research was made into the sustainability of the rivers that hundreds of otters were released into when groups were working to re-establish the animal back in the 1980s and 1990s’.
In a statement issued to the Fishery Survey Predation Project, created to increase knowledge of the distribution of predators by collecting data on their whereabouts, David also admitted that the introductions were ‘not necessary’. However, he also pointed out that his group is not associated in any way with the original otter trusts which made the releases.
He said: “It would have been better to let the population regenerate naturally.
“The otter population has grown so much in the last two decades because the authorities have since banned a number of chemicals which were affecting their reproduction systems. This has allowed them to re-establish much better and more naturally.”
Dave also believes that environmental groups, including otter trusts and anglers, must now work together to fight for better water quality which will help sustain fish stocks and, in turn, the predators.
“Seventy three per cent of UK rivers are not at the required standard of cleanliness to support fish and their predators, which is why we are getting the problems with otters targeting fish they shouldn’t be – such as barbel,” he said.
Dave’s statement has been commended by top specimen angler and joint creator of the Fishery Survey Predation Project, Paul Floyd. “You can’t just blame otters for the decline in sport,” he said. “Things like lack of natural recruitment are often highlighted by predation.
“Barbel are often targeted by otters because they are the most common food source available on some waters. Why is this?
“Often we see a lack of more natural favored prey sources like silver fish and eels,” said Paul.
“This poor biodiversity is nearly always due to human influences, and I support UKWOT in taking the step forward and recognising the issues faced by angling. I hope this will encourage other wildlife groups to do the same.
“We need to all work together if we are to find a sustainable balance in the future, for both angling and our wildlife. “