Anglers are playing a crucial role in the fight against the invasive American mink, which is wreaking havoc on the waterways of Surrey. These mink, originally from North America, have become a significant threat to native wildlife, particularly the endangered water vole, with a 97% reduction in their population over the last decade. The mink's aggressive and territorial nature, coupled with the absence of natural predators in the UK, has led to an alarming increase in their numbers, endangering other species as well.
The Dorking & District Angling Society is leading the charge in this battle. By collaborating with the Waterlife Recovery Trust, they are employing a multi-faceted approach to control the mink population. This includes setting traps along the River Mole, which are triggered by the mink's glands, and using anglers as citizen scientists.
Phil Waddicor, a fisheries officer at the society, highlights the importance of anglers' role: "Anglers are ideally placed to see what's going on, they're the eyes and ears on the river. Our members tell us where they're seeing the mink, and we pass those locations on to the Waterlife Recovery Trust." This real-time data is crucial for the project's success.
The mink are not just a threat to the local ecology; they also pose a risk to the fishing industry. As Rob Martin from the Waterlife Recovery Trust explains, "The mink are so voracious, they're just killing machines. They will decimate our local ecology, it's as simple as that. There is no limit to what they will take."
The process of trapping and euthanizing the mink is complex. After being caught, the mink are sent to Cambridge for DNA analysis to determine their population size and age. Their glands are extracted to create lures for future traps, and their bodies are used for scientific study.
Despite the challenges, the collaboration between anglers, environmental organizations, and local communities is making a difference. By raising awareness and taking proactive measures, they are working towards a sustainable future for the region's biodiversity. This story highlights the power of community action in preserving our natural environment.
