Following complaints from artisanal fishermen about the possible presence of the Pangasius or Basa fish of Asian origin, the Governorate of Huila issued an alert to the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority AUNAP so that the necessary measures can be taken in response to this delicate situation.
The Secretary of Agriculture of Huila, Carlos Alberto Cuéllar, explained that this species, which is not allowed to be cultivated in the country, in Huila represents a high risk for fish production at the Betania dam. and for the native species of the Magdalena River.
“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. We have put an alert to the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority, so that the necessary measures can be taken to control this situation in some way,” said the secretary. of Agriculture of Huila.
Secretary Carlos Alberto Cuéllar emphasized that, although there is great interest on the part of fish farmers regarding the authorization for the cultivation of the ‘Pangasius’ fish in confined spaces, Due to its high feed conversion, there is still no regulation in force by the corresponding authorities for the development of its cultivation in Colombia.
Finally, The official called on artisanal fishermen and fish farmers to report and prevent unscrupulous people from releasing this type of exotic species into the reservoir. of Bethany.
#Colombia
