The Knowledge and Perceptions of Recreational Anglers Related to Alien Plant Species in Freshwater Ecosystems: A Case Study From Hungary

Abstract

The value of recreational anglers' ecological knowledge and perceptions have come to prominence in the past few decades. Based on recent studies, their observations might include those of alien organisms and, therefore, might be particularly important in monitoring and revealing the causes of aquatic invasions. Although the number of registered anglers in Hungary has doubled in less than 5 years, exceeding 1 million by May 2024, little is known about their ecological knowledge. To learn more about anglers' knowledge and perceptions of alien plant species, 72 field interviews were conducted between December 2021 and May 2023 at four regularly fished freshwater bodies in Hungary: Hévíz Canal and Lakes Fényes, Balaton and Velence. During interviews, photographs of 12 alien plant species, occurring mostly at thermal water habitats, were shown to anglers as their observations on the effects of biological plant invasions were recorded. Overall, most anglers were unable to name all of the presented species, but at least half of the respondents could confidently identify four species, whereas those regularly fishing at thermal water habitats were able to identify correctly more of the invasive plants. Sixteen of the 72 interviewed anglers were engaged in aquaristics, two of whom confessed that a plant species (i.e., water lettuce [Pistia stratiotes]) and a fish species (i.e., goldfish [Carassius auratus]) previously held in aquaria had been intentionally released into the wild by them. Our research underlines the importance of anglers' observations about alien organisms, but anglers also have the potential to promote aquatic invasions, especially if they are aquarists too. Anglers might also facilitate early detection of plant invasives before biological invasions occur. We suggest that anglers are an untapped resource in defining and implementing conservation strategies that could counter the spread and establishment of aquatic plant invasives.