Global News - August 2008
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Scientists consider reintroducing extinct fish to UK rivers
Fri 22 August 2008 13:00 UK — Europe
UK scientists are currently investigating whether a freshwater fish that has not been seen in the country's rivers for three decades could be successfully reintroduced.
The team from the University of Southampton explained that the burbot is the only freshwater member of the cod family and added that it was relatively common in UK waterways until the latter part of the 20th century.
According to the team, the last official sighting of the fish in the UK was in 1969.
Now, the researchers are attempting to identify the causes of the burbot's extinction in the UK and assessing the feasibility of reintroducing it from Europe in the future.
As part of the study, the team is set to examine the species' biological and ecological requirements.
"Opinion is divided over the reasons for the loss of this species," Dr Paul Kemp explained.
"Climate change, over-fishing, pollution and habitat destruction have all been advanced as possible causes.
"However, no research has been carried out to fully quantify the burbot's decline. This study will examine the role of changes in water temperature, habitat connectivity and river discharge in the burbot's extinction."
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