Invasive alien species found in Laihalampi
The City of Espoo is taking measures to prevent the spread of pumpkinseed (fish), an invasive alien species, in Laihalampi. Located in the Hakjärvi nature reserve, the pond has been set up with a net structure to prevent pumpkinseed from entering Lake Pitkäjärvi in Nuuksio. The city and the Uusimaa ELY Centre are investigating the situation.
Pumpkinseed is a North American species known as a colourful aquarium and pond fish. In the EU, it is classified as an invasive alien species.
Pumpkinseed weakens the living conditions of native species by reducing their living space and increasing competition for food. It defends its territory aggressively and reproduces and spreads efficiently. This leads to the extinction of other species and the deterioration of biodiversity.
Do not release invasive alien species into the wild, report sightings
Since the pumpkinseed has been legislated as an invasive alien species, its import, cultivation, sale and other possession as well as release into the wild are forbidden.
You can read more about the pumpkinseed on the vieraslajit.fi website(external link, opens in a new window). Sightings must also be reported on the vieraslajit.fi website.
More information:
Uusimaa ELY Centre: customer service for environmental matters: ympariston.asiakaspalvelu@ely-keskus.fi
City of Espoo: Urban Environment Customer Service, tel. +358 9 81625100