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Vendace

What action is going on for this species?

The following will give you information on what work has been taking place through the Species Action Framework:

Species background

The vendace (Coregonus albula) is a freshwater fish which, by virtue of its adipose fin, is typically salmonid in form but has large scales which give it a silver appearance.

Why is this on the Species Action List?

Vendace meets criterion 1a of the Species Action Framework, as a species for conservation action.  

Vendace is the rarest fish species within the UK.  Much is now known about the ecology and habitat requirements to inform targeted action for existing populations and site selection for new populations.  Action for this species could also raise awareness of other fish conservation issues and benefit other species in Scotland.

It is a UKBAP Priority Species and is included on the Scottish Biodiversity List. Vendace is listed on Annex V of the EC Habitats Directive, and Schedule 3 of the The Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) Regulations 1994, as amended.  Vendace is also fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended.

Habitat, distribution and abundance

Vendace are typically associated with large, deep, standing waters which allow access to relatively cool water with high oxygen levels.  They require a spawning habitat which consists of clean gravels at depths of less than four metres. 

They are rare in the UK but relatively abundant in some areas of their wider European range, such as Finland and other parts of Scandinavia.  Prior to the launch of the Species Action Framework there were possibly only two natural populations within the UK, the Cumbrian lakes of Derwentwater and Bassenthwaite.  It was formerly present in two Scottish lochs but became extinct in the 1960s.  One new population had been established within a Scottish water body, Loch Skene.

General ecology

Spawning typically takes place from late November to mid December.  The young hatch out during March or April, depending on water temperature.  Vendace is a shoaling species which feeds primarily on zooplankton, although larger fish may also include insect larvae in their diet.

History of decline, contributory factors and current threats

Naturally occurring populations of vendace are now extinct within Scotland.  Attempts have been made to establish refuge populations in two Scottish waters and this has met with partial success - the Loch Skene population has become established, but survey information suggests that an attempt to reintroduce vendace to Daer Reservoir was not so successful.  Plans are underway to expand this programme to other Scottish and English sites. Pressures on the vendace include: illegal introductions of new fish species; eutrophication (nutrient enrichment); and, loss of suitable spawning substrate through siltation or invasion by non-native plants such as New Zealand pygmyweed.

The 'Species Lead' at Scottish Natural Heritage

Colin.Bean@snh.gov.uk Tel 0141 9514488