Ponniah, A G and Unnithan, V K and Sood, Neeraj (2002) National Strategic Plan for Aquatic Exotics and Quarantine. NBFGR Special Publication (3). National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow.
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Abstract
India is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of fish genetic wealth. But since 19th century, there have been introduction of over 350 fish species into the country for sport fishery, aquaculture, ornamental fishery and insect control purposes. Translocation of species across political boundaries of nations has been a centuries old phenomenon. The transboundary movement of species for culture or for aquarium purposes has witnessed a spurt during the past century and is expected to get accelerated in the coming years. With the country's attempt to enhance the yield and with the demand of the fast growing ornamental fish trade, the fishery industry will be keen to import more promising strains/ species. Some of the introduced species have added to the fish production, but some species proved to be invasive in our open waters, affecting the native species. The potential and real impacts of introducing new species into the aquatic ecosystem have been major issues debated worldwide. The benefits of introduced species are usually immediate and for short duration whereas the adverse impacts of exotics become evident only after a long time. The long-term impacts of the introduced species have not been evaluated till date in our country. Most conclusions regarding beneficial or adverse impacts of exotics are based on individual perceptions and are usually not supported by scientific data. Pre-introductory data to evaluate the impact of introduced species should be taken into consideration before drawing conclusions. In this context, it is necessary to provide feasible guidelines for the import of new species or strains depending on the purpose of import. Under the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), India has the moral and legal obligations to conserve its biodiversity. There is need to have adequate safeguards to protect the native species from the onslaught of the introduced ones. At the same time the nation must also ensure that the fish yield is enhanced and international trade, especially in ornamental fishery expands. Industry and traders should be allowed to develop and expand the trade for the economic benefit of the country. In India, the policy on introduction of exotic aquatic organisms is not clearly defined. Moreover, there is no policy to tackle exotics already introduced both legally and illegally.
| Item Type: | Book |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Aquatic exotics; quarantine guidelines; National Strategic Plan |
| Subjects: | Freshwater Fisheries |
| Divisions: | Contributors |
| Depositing User: | Arun Surendran |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Jul 2019 08:54 |
| Last Modified: | 19 Jul 2019 08:54 |
| URI: | http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/id/eprint/13703 |
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