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In the ponds near Telč in the Jihlava region, a project is underway, carried out jointly by the town of Telč and the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences. Its aim is to reduce the occurrence of the black bullhead, a non-native fish, in the basin of the Telčský potok stream and the Myslůvka river.
Black bullhead
The black bullhead originates from North America and forms numerous populations in the ponds near Telč. It reproduces quickly, competes with native fish species, and feeds on their eggs and fry. According to experts, it causes economic losses of tens of thousands of crowns per hectare in affected ponds.
Funding and progress
The Czech Academy of Sciences approved a total grant of 366,000 crowns for the two-year project. The Vysočina Region pledged to contribute 287,000 crowns toward both phases of the project, with 148,000 crowns earmarked for this year's phase, according to its website. In the first phase, experts led by Pavel Jurajda focused on mapping the occurrence of the black bullhead using analysis of environmental DNA, that is, genetic material released into the surroundings from the bodies of organisms. They also carried out catches and monitored shoals of fry. Regulatory interventions are continuing, including the capture of individuals during pond draining, who might otherwise spread through outlet structures into other bodies of water. Next year, experts plan to remove the black bullhead from selected smaller pools and ponds.
Statement from the town
Telč Deputy Mayor Jiří Pykal (Společně pro Telč – Czech Pirate Party and Greens) stated that the project is not only about damage to fish farming, but also about protecting native fish species and other aquatic animals and preserving the balance of aquatic ecosystems. He said that the overabundant black bullhead reduces economic yields from farming market fish and contributes to the deterioration of water quality. He added that the experience gained from the project in the Telč area could help nature conservationists and anglers elsewhere in Czechia.
Chronology
- — In ponds near Telč in the Jihlava region, a project by the town and the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences continues to reduce the invasive black bullhead in the Telčský potok and Myslůvka river basins. Ekolist.cz iROZHLAS
Sources
- Jihlavská Drbna (ČTK) — 1 November 2026