Rewilding the Cyprus freshwater blenny

The Vision

The reintroduction of the freshwater blenny (Salariopsis cf. fluviatilis) to its former range in the perennial rivers of Limassol, Cyprus.

The Mission

Our mission is to confirm the presence or absence of the Cyprus freshwater blenny through an island-wide survey, determine the correct taxonomy and phylogeny of the Cyprus freshwater blenny through genetic sequencing, establish a captive breeding and reintroduction project for the closest living relative of the Cyprus freshwater blenny, and work with stakeholders to revitalize and restore habitat crucial to its ongoing survival.

The Objectives

1. Complete an island-wide survey using multiple sampling methods, to determine the presence or absence of the species.

2. Complete genetic sequencing of diagnostic material of the Cyprus freshwater blenny to identify its correct taxonomy and therefore its closest living relative.

3. Conduct a feasibility study and Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) to determine the benefits and identify any negative impacts of phases 4 and 5 of the project.

4. Restore and monitor areas of habitat crucial to the long-term survival of the Cyprus freshwater blenny along the Amathos River.

5. Establish a captive-breeding, monitoring, and reintroduction program for the freshwater blenny in Cyprus

The only known specimens of the Cyprus freshwater blenny are held at the Natural History Museum London

The History

Read about the history of the Cyprus freshwater blenny here

What work has already been done?

Every year since 2012, our team has surveyed rivers, lakes, dams, channels, and other waterbodies up to 2-3 times per year, within and outside of the Limassol district, using dip-net, trapping, and visual observation methods. In 2022, we received a grant to complete the first of a two-stage island-wide survey using e-DNA test kits. The results revealed no presence of any blenny species in the inland coastal environments sampled but enabled us to gather important data on the distribution of other native species including the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The second stage of surveying will be conducted in riverine habitats further inland, including at higher altitudes and in more remote localities.

In October 2022, our team obtained funding to complete one of two rounds of e-DNA surveying across the entire island

Previous work was also conducted between 2009-2013; Dr. Stamatis Zogaris (HCMR), collaborated with Cypriot, British, and Portuguese researchers to survey and collate species data for 53 sites across 18 river basins on the island using a variety of surveying methods including electrofishing. Results determined that while 75% of survey sites had fish species present, 45% of those contained non-native fish species, and no freshwater blennies were recorded.

Dr Zogaris and his colleague sampling the mouth of the Diarizos River in 2012

Why is this Project Important?

EU Obligations

– In the 2nd bilateral meeting between Cyprus and the EU in 2013, under action point 3.a.1, Cyprus was asked to explain in its 2nd river basin management plan why there are no indigenous fish species in its rivers since indigenous fish presence is a very important biological quality element for river status classification under the EU Water Framework Directives.

– In the 2nd river basin management plan in 2014, Cyprus accepted that a key problem is the potential disappearance of the Cyprus freshwater blenny, and if it is determined that the species has disappeared, it is important to consider the case of stimulation from neighboring Mediterranean populations and to consider the reintroduction of native fish species in Cyprus because there is objective evidence that these species have fallen or been extirpated due to anthropogenic pressures.

– In 2016, a scientific publication by Zogaris et al entitled “Cyprus: Ecological restoration and fish species re-introduction is required!” concluded that the re-introduction of native fish species in Cyprus, particularly the freshwater blenny, was recommended, especially so for ensuring compliance with objectives of both the Habitats Directive and Water Framework Directive. It also suggested that community ecology approaches may bring a more holistic approach to restoration planning, fostering a deeper appreciation of local natural history.

A female freshwater blenny from a non-Cypriot population

Why should we act now?

The re-introduction of the freshwater blenny to Cyprus would be the first step in a program that would prove to be an immense success for nature, local people, and policy-makers in Cyprus. Teams within the government environmental departments, non-governmental bodies, and within Cypriot communities are keen to demonstrate their value for the native flora and fauna of the island and the ecosystem services they provide in light of the ongoing struggle to achieve ambitious EU environmental targets outlined for Cyprus. Alongside various local collaborative partners we aim to ensure Cyprus is compliant with EU legislation and environmental policy in the run-up to 2030. This project has the potential to provide opportunities for local people and businesses, facilitate more healthy and habitable living conditions for people and wildlife, increase capacity for combating increasing numbers of natural disasters (like flooding and fire), provide education, and mitigate many negative impacts of human activity. Additionally, the freshwater blenny (Salariopsis [Salaria] fluviatilis) is protected under Annex III of the Bern Convention and should be offered obligatory habitat protections in the instance of its re-discovery or re-introduction.

Salariopsis [Salaria] fluviatilis from a successful re-introduction program on the Ebro River in Spain.

by

Chris is an aquatic researcher and naturalist primarily interested in freshwater teleosts, crustacea and macrophytes. A specialist in fish nutrition, his background includes the establishment of his own business where he develops specially formulated feeds for ornamental & farmed fish and other aquatic species closely based on their natural diets. His personal research includes the freshwater and coastal habitats on the island of Cyprus and the ecological impacts of unsustainable practices occurring in the Amazon and Orinoco basins; he is also an avid collector and cultivator of rare and endangered rainforest plants.