Beware of exotics!

Abstract:

In this work we examined the harm provoked on the environment by the introduction of exotic species. We specifically examined the cases of the introduction of tilapias of the genus Oreochromis, and of the river shrimp Macrobrachium rosembergii, species that have provoked considerable damage to the environment, including a decrease in the richness of species. Furthermore, economic profits are low or even null, and this fact has determined, in many cases, that these enterprises have been abandoned, leaving exotic organisms disseminated in natural environments. We analyzed the way in which official institutions have mismanaged this problem, not only by giving licenses for species importation without necessary previous studies, but also by encouraging the cultivation of species such as the red tilapia, which was given the attractive name of "pink snapper". We also made clear that the current regulations for importing species do not mention the potential ecological and genetic dangers, and only mention the problems posed by diseases and parasites. Finally, we analyzed the low importance of these species in global aquaculture production.

Año de publicación:

1997

Keywords:

• Introductions
• Tilapias
• Shrimps
• Exotics

Fuente:

scopus