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To control mosquito infestations, several Indian governments, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab, have introduced mosquitofish in recent months. But there are worries about the unforeseen ecological effects of bringing this exotic species.To control mosquito infestations, several Indian governments, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab, have introduced mosquitofish in recent months. But there are worries about the unforeseen ecological effects of bringing this exotic species.
Backgrounder: Vector Borne Diseases
- Global Prevalence of Mosquito-Borne Diseases: 500 million people globally and more than 150 countries are affected by mosquito-borne diseases.
- India’s Burden: The country of India alone records almost 40 million cases of illnesses spread by mosquitoes each year.
What is Mosquitofish?
- Introduction in the 1960s: The introduction of mosquitofish (Gambusia species) was one of the biological control strategies used to combat mosquitoes in the 1960s.
- Environmentally Friendly Alternatives: These techniques were thought to be more environmentally friendly than chemical pesticides, which were hazardous to both human health and the environment.
- Worldwide Proliferation: Originally from the United States, mosquitofish have expanded throughout the world by adapting to a variety of settings that have a negative ecological impact.
Mosquitofish in India
- Historical Introduction: During British rule, Gambusia was first introduced to India in 1928 primarily to combat malaria.
- Numerous Authorities Involved: Mosquitofish were introduced throughout India by a number of public and private entities, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), local corporations, and health departments.
Ecological Impact
- Invading Alien Species: Among the top 100 harmful invading alien species are mosquitofish.
- Negative effects: They cause the loss of native fish, amphibians, and freshwater communities by preying on native wildlife.
- Examples from Other Nations: The introduction of mosquitofish has been linked to comparable ecological impact in Australia and New Zealand.
- WHO Position: Since 1982, the World Health Organization has not advised traveling to Gambusia to prevent mosquitoes.
Current Situation and Recommendations
- Enforcement efforts: Tight enforcement efforts are necessary to stop mosquitofish introductions in the future and lessen the effects of previous introductions.
- Alternative Solutions: To find native fish species capable of regulating mosquito larvae, collaboration between entomologists, fish taxonomists, invasion ecologists, and mosquito biologists is advised.
- Local Solutions: To protect native aquatic biodiversity and the health of native species, local alternatives should be given preference over invasive species.
- The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) ought to revoke its advice about the employment of guppy fish, specifically Gambusia and Poecilia, as a means of controlling mosquito populations.
Conclusion
- The introduction of mosquitofish has had unforeseen repercussions that pose a serious ecological problem to India.
- Invasive species should not be used in mosquito control efforts; instead, local solutions and strict enforcement of the law should be used to protect the ecosystem and native species.
