Invasive species Management Plan for zander Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) with an Action Plan for control and spread of the invasive species in the Federation of BiH

Summary of the project:

Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758), known as zander, is a predatory fish with an elongated body, streamlined head, and large mouth with strong teeth. It inhabits freshwater habitats across Europe and western Asia, including Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), where it has adapted to the Sava and Neretva River basins. Classified as invasive in the Adriatic Sea basin, zander poses a risk to native species due to its potential for transmitting sublethal diseases and represents a risk of colonizing habitats of high conservation value.

The project aimed to develop a management plan for the invasive zander (Sander lucioperca) in the Federation of BiH, including an action plan for suppression, eradication, and control measures. It developed a detailed Geographic Information System (GIS) database of zander distribution, pathways of introduction and spread, and effective control methods. Additionally, the project conducted an economic analysis of implementation costs, proposed ecosystem restoration measures, and enhanced local community awareness and capacity to manage this invasive species.

Project goals:

The overall objective of the project was to develop a management plan for the zander species Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Federation of BiH, along with an Action Plan outlining measures and methods for the suppression, eradication, and control of this invasive species, taking into account its biology, ecology, and distribution.

Expected results and main activities:

The main activities included:

Task 1. Determining and mapping the current distribution of zander in the Federation of BiH 

Task 2. Identifying key impact areas of zander 

Task 3. Developing and testing zander control methods 

Task 4. Educating local communities and other stakeholders about the impact and control of zander 

Task 5. Developing a zander management plan 

Task 6. Drafting a legal act on zander control measures

The expected project results were:

1. Detailed database in a Geographic Information System (GIS) on the current distribution of zander and integration of results into the information system for nature protection of FBiH, managed by the Environmental Protection Fund of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

2. Analysis introduction pathways and spread of zander.

3. Effective methods for suppression, eradication, and control of zander.

4. Development of an action plan for further measures of suppression, eradication, and control of the invasive species zander.

5. Economic analysis of costs and benefits from implementing the action plan.

6. Potential ecosystem restoration measures.

7. Increased awareness and capacity of local communities to recognize and control the invasive species.

8. Proposal of a sub-legal act/Decision on measures for suppression, eradication, and control of the invasive species zander.