Where have our native fish gone?

According to the ASEAN Biodiversity Outlook 2, ASEAN member states have identified 112 invasive alien species affecting forests, agriculture and aquatic ecosystems. “Given that we have all these introduced species already being considered as economically important and are being used in aquaculture, it is imperative that we focus our research and technology development on the breeding, propagation and culture of our native species like ayungin, tawilis, maliputo, igat and native hito, both for conservation and sustainable aquaculture,” explains Dr. Ma. Rowena Eguia, a geneticist from SEAFDEC/AQD, an international body which promotes sustainable fisheries development in Southeast Asia. Best Alternatives, an NGO based in the Philippines and VB Consultancy, a research firm based in Europe, are working to highlight the dangers of farming invasive species. Instead of farming potentially invasive foreign fish, the two groups are working to convince governments and private institutions to farm native species instead.