Environmental awareness actions in the control of invasive species: the case of the European catfish (Silurus glanis) in the River Tagus (Portugal)

Authors

  • João Gago Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Agriculture, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
  • Igor Dias Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Agriculture, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
  • Elisabete Linhares Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Education, Complexo Andaluz, Apartado 131, 2001-902 Santarém, Portugal
  • Luis Pereira Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Agriculture, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
  • Ana Teresa Ribeiro Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Agriculture, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
  • Verónica Ribeiro Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Agriculture, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal
  • Ana Silva Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Education, Complexo Andaluz, Apartado 131, 2001-902 Santarém, Portugal
  • João Manuel Oliveira Santarém Polytechnic University, School of Agriculture, Quinta do Galinheiro - S. Pedro, 2001-904 Santarém, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17370939

Keywords:

Angler surveys, fish biodiversity, show-cooking

Abstract

This study reports on awareness-raising initiatives along the River Tagus (Portugal) targeting the spread of the invasive European catfish (Silurus glanis). Activities included public awareness on alien and native species, angler surveys, and culinary demonstrations with sensory evaluations, mobilising anglers and citizens for conservation. Results showed strong support for harvesting this non-native species and high acceptance of European catfish-based dishes. These findings underscore the role of environmental education in managing invasive species in Portugal’s freshwater ecosystems.

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Published

2025-10-20

How to Cite

Gago, J., Dias, I., Linhares, E. ., Pereira, L., Ribeiro, A. T., Ribeiro, V., Silva, A. ., & Oliveira, J. M. (2025). Environmental awareness actions in the control of invasive species: the case of the European catfish (Silurus glanis) in the River Tagus (Portugal). Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, 9(3), 307–317. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17370939