Introductions and transfers of species in fish culture. Necessity or opportunism ?

Abstract

The introductions and transfers of species in order to increase fish production, particularly in south-east Asia, currently represent a highly sensitive problem, but no real assessment has yet been made of the advantages and disadvantages of these practices. In both cases, the ecological, biological and socio-economic parameters must be taken into account. The author uses two examples in Viet Nam and the Philippines to demonstrate the advantages of developing fish culture with a native species or an exotic species by making use of the fish farmers’ original know-how. Instead of setting up regulations which are difficult to enforce, reflection, guidance and monitoring are the most appropriate means of dealing with any specific problems.