Fishing Grounds and the Invasive Species Impact: a Case Study in a Coastal Brazilian Watershed

Abstract

one of the leading causes of global biodiversity loss is the introduction of non-native species with high potential for invasion, and fish farms are largely responsible for introducing these species into continental aquatic ecosystems. To assess the possible impacts caused by the introduction of fish species from fishing grounds in natural areas in the Baixada Santista watershed (São Paulo, State, Brazil), the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) was used. The study showed that escaped species, primarily caused by the water drainage system of fishing ground tanks and dispersion by birds, can cause significant damage to the conservation of native species. Therefore, it is imperative to establish management practices for cultivated species and frequently monitor the physical-chemical and microbiological parameters of water quality in ponds. African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Trahira (Hoplias malabaricus) showed a high risk of invasion. Conversely, Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) was classified as medium risk, highlighting the importance of this species for breeding in fish farming systems and recreational fishing activities conducted in fishing grounds.