Introduction of non‐native fish for aquaculture in China: A systematic review

Abstract

Aquaculture, especially of non-native species and translocated domestic species, is a greatly encouraged way of relieving the conflicts between food and economic demand and resource depletion. We herein summarized the introduction history of non-native fish for aquacultural use in China, including 105 species introduced from abroad and 61 species translocated domestically across river basins, which has brought great economic benefits but high ecological risks. Of these, one-fourth have successfully established wild populations in natural waters and 15% have successfully invaded. We presented specific examples of seven aquaculture species/taxa and three aquarium species/taxa to explain their outcomes. The notable economic benefits, complex species composition and strain selection of tilapias, carps and sturgeons may together facilitate their invasion, and result in fish diversity decline, genetic pollution, and loss of ecosystem service. We specifically reviewed invasion cases in lakes and reservoirs and found that lakes in western China and reservoirs made by major This article is a Sena De Silva paper. The Sena De Silva paper is an honorific title dedicated to the memory of Professor Sena De Silva, who was the founding editor of Reviews in Aquaculture and a globally renowned aquaculture scholar, pioneer and advocate. The title is awarded to high quality articles that excel in one, or more, of the following qualities: i) Novelty and originality; ii) Likelihood of direct positive impacts for the aquaculture sector, with keen focus on any of, or all three: environmental sustainability, economic viability, and social responsibility iii) Overall quality of scientific reasonings coupled with realworld applicability.

Analysing spatio‐temporal patterns of non‐native fish in a biodiversity hotspot across decades

“…Regarding the sensitivities of waterbody types to non‐native species, lakes and reservoirs bear the brunt of fish invasions, while rivers have fewer non‐native species (Figures 4 and 6; Vitule et al, 2012; Ding et al, 2017; Zhang et al, 2019; Brito et al, 2020; Kang et al, 2022). It is likely that accumulations of non‐native fish in lakes are close to saturation now (Figure 3; Seebens et al, 2017).…”

“…Consequently, the intentional and unintentional introductions of non‐native fish caused by the above human activities have been increasingly severe. The peak of non‐native fish introductions in Yunnan occurred mainly in the late 1950s and late 1970s (Ding et al, 2017; Kang et al, 2022; Zhang et al, 2018). However, analyses on the spatio‐temporal patterns and dynamics of non‐native fishes in Yunnan, especially for long‐term time series, remain unavailable.…”

Aquaculture sustainability: Global challenges need local actions

“…This study is a useful example of one of the roles of science in providing the information, knowledge and understanding required for the development of 'effective countermeasures including risk assessment, policy-making and operation and public participation to buffer conflicts between ecology and economy'. 6…”

“…Lastly, and still focusing on the culture of introduced fish, but moving north‐west, Kang et al 6 summarised and analysed the history of the introduction and translocation of non‐native fish for aquacultural purposes in China. This review paper, which received the Sena De Silva Paper award for this issue, analysed 105 introduced species, as well as 61 species that were translocated domestically, and attempted a very important assessment of the resulting economic benefits, as well as ecological risks.…”

“…A crucial and complex topic, where economic benefits and food security considerations are in conflict with environmental objectives and biodiversity conservation. This study is a useful example of one of the roles of science in providing the information, knowledge and understanding required for the development of ‘effective countermeasures including risk assessment, policy‐making and operation and public participation to buffer conflicts between ecology and economy’ 6 …”