International mechanisms for the control and responsible use of alien species in aquatic ecosystems

198 Pages·2006·11.24 MB·English

International mechanisms
for the control and responsible use
of alien species in aquatic ecosystems
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome, 2005
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© FAO 2005
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Documents are reproduced as submitted to the consultation.
iii
Preparation of this document
This document contains the report of and papers presented at the Ad hoc Expert Consultation, International
Mechanisms for the Control and Responsible Use of Alien Species in Aquatic Ecosystems, held 27-30 August
2003, in Xishuangbanna, People's Republic of China. The Consultation was sponsored by the Asian Institute of
Technology (AIT), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Mekong River Commission
(MRC), Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia and the Pacific (NACA), University of California Sea Grant
College Program (UCSG), World Conservation Union (IUCN), Ministry of Agriculture of the Peoples Republic
of China, the FAO Fish Code Programme and the FAO/Netherlands Partnership Programme (FNPP); it was
hosted by the Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Agriculture and the Xishuangbanna Fisheries Administration and
Regulation Station. The contents were compiled and edited by Devin M. Bartley (FAO), Ram C. Bhujel (AIT),
Simon Funge-Smith (FAO), Paul Olin (UC SeaGrant), and Michael Phillips (NACA); Devin M. Bartley was
overall editor with layout and design by Daniela Scicchigno.
iv
Abstract
The use of alien species is a proven means to increase production and value from aquatic ecosystems. In the
Mekong/Lanchang Basin, alien species such as tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) play an important role in providing
cheap and readily available protein to rural and poor sectors. However, alien species are now recognized as
one of the most significant threats to aquatic biodiversity. Members of FAO and signatories to the Convention
on Biological Diversity have obligated themselves to manage and control alien species that may adversely
impact ecosystems. There are a range of international mechanisms that have been established to assist
countries in meeting international obligations and responsibilities. The coverage of these international
instruments, the signatory countries and the degree to which they are implemented varies throughout the
world. Implementation is often difficult due to lack of awareness at national level of responsibilities under the
respective instruments, problems with enforcement, and lack of basic information and capacity to undertake
risk assessment. Several steps are necessary for effective use and control of alien species, but one of the most
important was identified to be following codes of practice similar to that developed by the International
Council for the Exploration of the Sea. The development and use of indigenous species are options to the
use of alien species. However, indigenous species have not received the same amount of attention, research,
development and use as many alien species. Regional coordination of policies and practices on alien species
is needed for effective national management. National policies need to be in place and the population needs
to be aware of issues before countries can implement international mechanisms. Thus, regional coordination
and national policy development are necessary actions that should go hand in hand in order to facilitate
implementation of broader international agreements.
Bartley, D.M.; Bhujel, R.C.; Funge-Smith, S.; Olin, P.G.; Phillips, M.J. (comps./eds.)
International mechanisms for the control and responsible use of alien species in aquatic ecosystems.
Report of an Ad Hoc Expert Consultation. Xishuangbanna, People's Republic of China, 27-30 August 2003.
Rome, FAO. 2005. 195p.
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Table of Contents
Preparation of this document iii
Abstract iv
I. REPORT OF THE MEETING 1
II. CONTRIBUTED PAPERS 17
International Instruments
FAO mechanisms for the control and responsible use of alien species in fisheries 19
Devin M. Bartley / Felix J.B. Marttin / Matthias Halwart
Mechanisms of the Convention on Biological Diversity for the control and responsible use 25
of alien species in fisheries
Devin M. Bartley / Isabel J. Fleischer
Summary overview of health management and alien species in aquatic ecosystems 43
Michael Phillips / C.V. Mohan / Rohana SubaPsinghe
Overview of selected international agreements related to alien species in aquatic ecosystems 51
Patricia Moore
Information sources on alien aquatic species 69
Felix Marttin
Country reports
Present status of alien species in aquaculture and aquatic ecosystem in Cambodia 75
Sam Nuov / Hav Viseth / Ouk Vibol
Introduction and management of alien aquatic species in China 87
Li Sifa
Alien aquatic species in Lao People's Democratic Republic 99
Boonthong Saphakdy / Kamphet Rodger
vi
Alien aquatic species in Myanmar 105
U Hla Win
Aquatic alien species in Thailand (Part 1): Biodiversity 113
Chavalit Vidthayanon
Aquatic alien species in Thailand (Part 2): aquatic animal diseases 119
Somnklat Kanchanakhan
Viet Nam national report on alien species 123
Le Thanh Luu / Nguyen VanThanh
Case studies
Aquaculture in the Mekong basin: alien or indigenous species? 127
Niklas S. Mattson / Naruepon Sukumasavin
Somboon / Nguyen Minh Thanh / Ouk Vibol
Codes of practice for the introduction and transfer of marine and freshwater organisms 133
Ursula M. Kolkolo
The introduction of Penaeus vannamei and P. stylirostris into the Asia-Pacific Region 149
Simon Funge-Smith / Matthew Briggs
Role of exotic species in aquaculture: problems and prospects in Indochina 169
Amararatne Yakupitiyage / Ram C. Bhujel
III. ANNEXES
List of participants 187
List of organizations dealing with alien species in aquaculture and fisheries 193
Opinionnaire 194
I
Report of the meeting

3
Report of the meeting
“The use of alien species is a proven means to increase production and value
from aquatic ecosystems”
The use of alien species is a proven means to increase production and value from aquatic
ecosystems. However, alien species are now recognized as one of the most significant threats
to aquatic biodiversity. As such, Members of FAO and signatories to the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD) have obligated themselves to manage and control alien species
that may adversely impact ecosystems. Furthermore, the movement of aquatic species has
importance to international free trade, but as well as providing benefits, may concurrently
incur significant risk. Members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have duties and
responsibilities to promote free-trade whilst at the same time, taking measures for protecting
human and animal health.
There are a range of mechanisms that include conventions, codes of practice, agreements
and guidelines that have been established to assist countries in meeting international
obligations and responsibilities. Important mechanisms that relate to the introduction or
movement of aquatic species are:
Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (FAO), created in 1995, sets out principles
and international standards of behaviour for responsible practices with a view to ensuring the
effective conservation, management and development of living aquatic resources, with due
respect for the ecosystem and biodiversity.
Code of Practice on the Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms (ICES),
created in 1973 and updated in 2003, gives recommended procedures and practices to reduce
the risks of detrimental effects from the intentional introduction and transfer of marine
(including brackish water) organisms. Endorsed by FAO Regional Fishery Bodies.
Beijing Consensus and Implementation Strategy, created in 2000, a detailed
implementation strategy for the Asia Regional
Technical Guidelines on health management
for responsible trans-boundary movement of
live aquatic animals.
Cartagena Protocol on Bio-safety,
adopted in 2000 under the Convention
on Biological Diversity and in force from
September 2003, seeks to protect biological
diversity from the potential risks posed by
living modified organisms resulting from
modern biotechnology.