Regulations and controls exist to protect native wildlife species from threats caused by non-native species being introduced. Non-native fish can carry and spread diseases to which native species have no defence. They can also prey on native fish and other animals, and upset the natural ecological balance.

There are special legal controls in the UK to protect native fish populations from damage caused when non-native varieties are introduced into their habitats. These controls aim to prevent both deliberate and accidental introductions of non-native species by ensuring that only people covered by an appropriate licence can keep or introduce them.

This guide explains the regulations and licensing requirements that apply to non-native fish. It covers the type of licence you need depending on the nature of your business and the species of fish, and also explains the application process.

Read the rest of this guide on the Gov UK website.