The Impacts of Non-Native Fish Species
How Non-Native Fish Species Impact Nature
For centuries, different species of fish have been introduced into new places. Steven Rindner, a bio major, recalls how the United States Fish Commission was established in 1871.
The then-government had received more than 2,000 letters yearly complaining about fish decline. Native fish declined in coastal and inland waters due to human-caused problems. So,
the Commission proposed a solution by introducing carp in local water bodies.
Originally from Asia, the carp had already been spread to many countries. The species is considered the queen of rivers because it can grow in any environment with enough water and good feed. As a result, its population in the U.S. quickly swelled. Today, carp can be found in every state except Alaska.
Unfortunately, the dominance of carp in the country has resulted in the decline of some native species, such as walleye, pike, and rainbow trout. Many states nowadays deem carp as a pest.
According to Steven Rindner, bio subjects will teach you that introducing non-native fish has positive and negative impacts.
A study performed by ecologists from Bournemouth University found that introducing more than half of the 103 non-native freshwater species analyzed in various parts of the world did not result in any adverse ecological impact on the environment.
In fact, there are some benefits to such plantings. For instance, introducing brook trout in some bodies of water in California helped fish predators thrive. More fishes to prey on meant expanding the range that otters, eagles, and ospreys could hunt in.
Even so, there is always the danger of non-native fish species being detrimental to species already in the habitat. One of the most notable disasters is the introduction of lake trout in Yellowstone Lake. That resulted in a population decline of more than 90 percent of the Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The National Park Service is spending millions of dollars annually to address the issue.
Introducing non-native fish species to a body of water has pros and cons and underscores the need for a proper and detailed study before conducting such an action, says Steven Rindner, bio student.
