Dilermando P. Lima-Junior

The “Tilapia Law” encouraging non-native fish threatens Amazonian River basins

Freshwater ecosystems in Brazil, arguably the most diverse on the planet, have been disturbed by several threats in the past years, particularly competition for water and subsequent water abstraction, urbanization, severe drought, dam construction/water diversion, pollution from different sources, commercial exploitation, and the introduction of non-native species (Agostinho et al. 2005; Vitule et al. 2015; Lima et al. 2015; Winemiller et al. 2016). A worrying example is the federal law 5989/2009 that intends to naturalize non-native fish species by decree in Brazil, some of which have a high invasion potential, such as the carps Aristichthys nobilis, Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and tilapias Oreochromis spp. (Lima et al. 2012; Vitule

Brazil's drought: Protect biodiversity

The Brazilian water crisis linked to climate change has led the government to take drastic measures (“Drought triggers alarms in Brazils biggest metropolis,” In Depth, H. Escobar, 20 February, p. [812][1]), such as water diversion projects to transpose water between isolated river basins,

We need better understanding about functional diversity and vulnerability of tropical freshwater fishes

Here we extend a discussion initiated by Toussaint et al. (Sci Rep 6:22125, 2016) concerning the relationship between global patterns of freshwater fish functional diversity (FD) and its vulnerability to human impacts. Based on a set of morphological traits, they concluded that Neotropical freshwater fishes have highest FD, but low vulnerability given high levels of functional redundancy. This conclusion implies that conservation efforts for freshwater fishes should emphasize temperate regions. This perspective is risky, because Toussaint et al.’s study seriously underestimates the full scope of FD, including important ecosystem services provided by fishes in the tropics. We briefly discuss some additional and well-documented aspects of tropical freshwater fish FD and conclude that tropical fish FD is highly vulnerable.

Small size today, aquarium dumping tomorrow: sales of juvenile non-native large fish as an important threat in Brazil

Informal sales of large-bodied non-native aquarium fishes (known as “tankbusters”) is increasing among Brazilian hobbyists. In this study, we surveyed this non-regulated trade on Facebook® from May 2012 to September 2016, systematically collecting information about the fishes available for trading: species, family, common/scientific names, native range, juvenile length, behavior, number of specimens available in five geographical regions from Brazil. We also assessed the invasion risk of the most frequently sold species using the Fish Invasiveness Screening Test (FIST). We found 93 taxa belonging to 35 families. Cichlidae was the dominant family, and most species were native to South America. All species are sold at very small sizes (< 10.0 cm), and most display aggressive behavior. The hybrid Amphilophus trimaculatus × Amphilophus citrinellus, Astronotus ocellatus, Uaru amphiacanthoides, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, Cichla piquiti, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Datnioides microlepis and Cichla kelberi were the main species available. The southeast region showed the greatest trading activity. Based on biological traits, the FIST indicated that Arapaima gigas, C. kelberi and C. temensis are high-risk species in terms of biological invasions via aquarium dumping. We suggest management strategies such as trade regulations, monitoring, euthanasia and educational programs to prevent further introductions via aquarium dumping.

Brazil naturalizes non-native species

Brazils national policies are putting the countrys megadiversity at risk ([ 1 ][1]–[ 3 ][2]). After passing a 2016 law that will put constraints on biodiversity research ([ 3 ][2]), the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply has taken another controversial action: A new ordinance

New decree promotes fish invasion in Amazon and Pantanal

Legalization of non-native species for aquaculture is accelerating in Brazil (Tófoli et al. 2016), directly contradicting federal laws Nos. 5197/67 and 9605/98, as well as international conservation agreements (e.g., Convention on Biological Diversity; Lima-Junior et al. 2018). A recent decree in the state of Mato Grosso (No. 1.190/2017) allows and encourages the rearing of non-native fish species in rivers and reservoirs of the state (such as in net cages in reservoirs). State law No. 10.669, approved in January 2018, subsequently dispensed of environmental licensing requirements for producers with less than 10,000 cubic meters of water in net cages and less than 5 hectares surface area of aquaculture ponds. Combined, these legislative actions seek to help the state become the national leader in aquaculture, primarily through production of tilapia. One sustainable alternative would be to invest in partnerships with aquaculture producers to develop new technologies for production of native species, of which Brazil is not lacking in options (Saint-Paul 2017). Non-native species should ideally only be used while these technologies are in development and preferably only in closed recirculating aquaculture systems (Martins et al. 2010) that minimize ecological impact and the risk of escapes.

The same old mistakes in aquaculture: the newly-available striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus is on its way to putting Brazilian freshwater ecosystems at risk

In the state of São Paulo in southeastern Brazil, a dangerous decree allows the culture of hybrids and non-native extralimital fish species in the Paraná and East Atlantic River basins. We recorded the illegal importation and sale of the non-native striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus in northeastern, central-western, southeastern, and southern areas of the country. This species is already consumed across Brazil and is cultivated for ornamental purposes. Besides escapes from fish farms and ‘fish and pays’, P. hypophthalmus can reach natural environments through aquarium dumping and ornamental ponds, motivated by its large size that reach after being sold at small size. The species has been introduced in many countries, and if established in Brazil, could put native Brazilian biodiversity and ecosystems at risk. Although importing specimens of P. hypophthalmus is prohibited by law, Decree 62.243/2016 in the state of São Paulo creates a new opportunity for invasion. In fact, once a novel fish species is moved to a new continent, it is irrational to supposed that it will stay static just in the area for which it was intended. In general, the fish disperse in the novel area on their own, by escapes from captivity or deliberate and illicit releases by persons or associations. The unwise attitude of Brazilian decision-makers and lay people in their attempt to develop aquaculture with non-native species goes against the objectives of responsible aquaculture based in native species.