Introduction of non-native freshwater fish can certainly be bad |
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Authors: | Jean Ricardo Simões Vitule Carolina Arruda Freire & Daniel Simberloff |
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Institution: | Departamento de Fisiologia, Setor de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, CEP 81531-990;;Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996-1610 |
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Abstract: | In this paper, we respond to Gozlan's views of the introduction of freshwater fish, as we strongly disagree with his view and approach. We demonstrate that many real-world examples of freshwater fish introductions have catastrophic ecological consequences. We detail a few noteworthy examples, such as those of the Nile perch, carp, tilapias, catfishes, and the zebra mussel. We discuss within-nation introductions, and we explore several related problems, such as hybridization and spread of pathogens and parasites. We propose that Gozlan's analysis is biased, as more reliable data on impacts that are already widespread are urgently needed, mainly in the biologically richest areas of the world. Thus, we continue to advocate the precautionary principle, because species introductions, once established, are largely irreversible. |
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Keywords: | Aquaculture biodiversity economic value freshwater fish introductions non-native fish risk assessment |
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