Plans to bring back the burbot...but should we?

Can you imagine having a new coarse species to target in our rivers?

That improbable scenario took a step closer this month after Natural England revealed plans to reintroduce burbot to Britain’s waterways.

Resembling a cross between a cod and a catfish, burbot were once native to British waters, but 50 years ago they became extinct after falling foul to increased agricultural and metal pollution. Now though, with England’s rivers in a healthier state, these predatory fish are set for a comeback under a pilot scheme that’s set to be rolled out once sufficient funding of £80,000 has been raised by the Norfolk Rivers Trust, which is coordinating the new initiative. 

Natural England’s Dave Ottewell said:

“Great efforts have been made to restore our freshwater environment, rectifying some of the historic damage inflicted on these complex systems. 

“The successful restoration of these habitats has led us to a position where we can realistically look towards the reintroduction of this recently lost species into its native range.”

Angling Times columnist, Rob Hughes, was keen to voice his skeptisism of this reintroduction, he said:

“Forgive me for being cynical, but our waterways are already under a significant amount of pressure, especially from predators. 

Zander are being removed as we speak, but now there is talk of introducing a new species that likes snacking on silvers. The mind boggles! 

We need some sense to be shown here, and surely we should be looking at priorities. Get the rivers right, then think about the ‘optional extras’. I mean, how much money is going to be spent re-establishing something that is either going to get eaten, or alternatively will eat other things that quite frankly we haven’t got many of anyway? Surely stabilising and strengthening the aquatic environment should be the number one priority for all of us? 

Wildlife groups, anglers, government and conservationists all have their own personal agendas, often at odds with one another, but ultimately it’s the habitat and ecosystem that matters to all of them. Now there’s a point of common interest we should all be working towards.”