Opinion Paper

Preserving Uruguay’s freshwater systems: the need to restrict invasive species introductions for sustainable production

¹ Área Biodiversidad y Conservación, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Montevideo, Uruguay
² Departamento de Ecología Teórica y Aplicada, CURE-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Maldonado, Uruguay

^* Corresponding author: gabriel.laufer@gmail.com

Received: 21 January 2024
Accepted: 15 March 2024

Abstract

This manuscript critically examines the history of non-native aquatic species introductions in Uruguay, emphasizing the role of public institutions. Despite global concerns about biodiversity threats from these introductions, Uruguay’s reliance on animal production and aquaculture involving non-native species has grown since the 1980s. State institutions, despite past failures, have promoted these introductions without comprehensive risk assessments. Notable cases, including failed attempts with species like the herbivorous carp, American bullfrog, Nile tilapia, Australian redclaw crayfish, and American mink, raise concerns about invasive populations due to a lack of proper risk assessments and prevention measures. Previous examples were deficient in escape monitoring, oversight of specimens after farm closures, and considerations for the presence of new pathogens. This highlights the need for more informed and responsible approaches to prevent invasive species’ establishment, advocating for rigorous analysis and risk assessments before any introduction. We propose overcoming historically fragmented decision-making processes by establishing a bridging structure that coordinates inter- and intra-institutional efforts, engages with the academic sector and social organizations, and evaluates the introductions. This platform can prioritize protecting aquatic ecosystems, fostering sustainable growth, and maintaining ecological balance, contributing to the solution of the problem by facilitating coordinated efforts and engaging diverse stakeholders.