Author(s): Felegush Erarto and Abebe Getahun

Abstract: Invasive alien species affect native species both indirectly for example, by preying on and competing with them for resources such as food and breeding sites as well as indirectly by altering habitat and modifying hydrology, nutrient cycling and other ecosystem processes. Together these impacts are resulting in the loss of biodiversity and dramatic changes to ecosystems. Apart from their threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services, introduced fishes have a significant environmental, ecological and socio-economic impact. Their introductions mainly cause reduction of yields from fisheries, decrease water clarity and contribute to the spread of disease. Common characteristics of introduced fish species include adaptability (e.g., non-selective diet, variety of environmental conditions), few natural predators or population controls, high reproductive capacity, the ability to thrive in disturbed ecosystems and superior capacity to compete for food and habitat. So, to minimize their impacts, various management strategies must be used such as prevention, early detection and rapid response and eradication through physical, chemical and biological control methods. Different sources reported that not all invasive species have a negative impact instead they serve as food and biological control agents. So, this review paper provides basic information about impacts and management strategies of invasive fish species.

Pages: 207-216  |  1350 Views  767 Downloads

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