Post date: 2024-05-08 09:57:35
Taking into account that there is still no legal regulation for its cultivation in the country, the Government of Huila alerted the AUNAP about the possible presence of the species in the Betania Dam, which raises concern as it is a fed reservoir. along the Magdalena River.
2024-05-08 09:57:35
After hearing some testimonies from artisanal fishermen about the possible presence of the Pangasius fish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in the Betania Dam, the secretary of agriculture and mining of Huila, Carlos Alberto Cuéllar, announced that an alert was issued to the competent authorities, to that the necessary measures be taken in the face of this delicate situation.
“The Pangasius fish has a big problem as it is an exotic species that has been illegally introduced into the natural environment, and that obviously creates a very big threat. Today we have put an alert to the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority, so that they take the necessary measures to control this situation in some way, and of course invite all actors in the aquaculture activity to report and prevent these events from occurring. release processes of this type of exotic species in the natural environment,” he said.
Although there is great interest on the part of fish farmers regarding the authorization for the cultivation of Pangasius fish in confined spaces, due to its high feed conversion, and a market that is increasing, there is still no regulation in force by the authorities. competent for the development of its cultivation in Colombia, said Cuéllar Medina.
“It must be said that today there is a government process at the national level, with which the formalization of this species for fish production is intended, under controlled environments, and this is very important to take into consideration, since there may be a potential threat, let’s say of biologically, since it has been reported that this species does not reproduce by its own means, except in its natural environment in its country of origin, but the threat can always exist and therefore, because it is a very voracious species, it is necessary to evaluate what it is. really the situation in terms of fish resources, and threat to native and endemic species of our Magdalena River,” concluded the secretary of agriculture of Huila.
Evaluate reproduction of the species
And it is in that sense that environmental organizations have been opposing its legalization, who argue the disastrous effect that the fish could have based on natural means, due to competition for resources with native species, since being a voracious predator and Rapidly growing, it can displace other local species by competing for food and habitat, which can alter the natural balance of ecosystems, affecting the diversity and structure of biological communities.
Originally from the rivers of Southeast Asia, the Pangasius, panga, or basa fish has been introduced to various regions of the world for commercial cultivation, but in some cases its adaptation to new environments has triggered adverse effects; Hence the interest of the Government of Huila, in the need to carry out adequate management of this species, which is not yet authorized for cultivation, and a call to the actors of Huila fish farming to prevent the irresponsible release of the species. in natural areas.
