Ecological Risk Screening Summary - European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.

The European Perch (Perca fluviatilis) is a predatory fish native to most of Europe and northern Asia. It is highly regarded as a sport fish and has been consumed by humans for centuries. P. fluviatilis has been documented to be a host for three OIE-reportable diseases and many other pathogens and parasites. The growth and maturity of P. fluviatilis is highly connected to the climatic conditions of the population’s location. The history of invasiveness is high. There is a long history of intentional introductions of this species for sustenance and sport fishing. Many of those introductions have resulted in established wild populations. P. fluviatilis is implicated in population reduction and extirpations of many native species, some of which themselves are recreational resources. Most impacts come from direct predation or competition but there is also concern that P. fluviatilis will spread epizootic haematopoietic necrosis to native species. P. fluviatilis was listed as an injurious wildlife species in 2016 under the Lacey Act by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, thereby prohibiting its importation. There are regulations prohibiting keeping and releasing this species in Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The certainty of assessment is high. The overall risk assessment category of P. fluviatilis is high.