Source link : https://europ.info/2025/11/14/sri-lankan-freshwater-fishers-take-bold-steps-to-turn-invasive-species-threat-into-opportunity/
Sri Lanka’s freshwater fishing communities are mounting a grassroots response to an escalating environmental challenge posed by invasive fish species. As non-native aquatic populations disrupt local ecosystems and threaten indigenous fish stocks, fishers are seeking innovative strategies to turn the tide on this growing threat. In this article, E&E News examines how these efforts could not only protect biodiversity but also sustain livelihoods crucial to Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries.
Sri Lankan Fishers Combat Invasive Species to Protect Freshwater Ecosystems
In the rural inland waters of Sri Lanka, fishers have embarked on an innovative mission to curb the rapid spread of invasive species threatening native biodiversity. These local communities, largely dependent on freshwater ecosystems for their livelihood, have formed collaborative groups to monitor and manage populations of aggressive species such as Tilapia and Water Hyacinth. By combining traditional knowledge with modern ecological practices, they aim to restore balance and safeguard critical habitats that support endemic fish and aquatic plants. Efforts include selective harvesting of invasive fish to reduce their numbers and manual removal of dense plant growth to improve water quality and oxygen levels.
Key strategies implemented by Sri Lankan fishers include:
- Community-led invasive species monitoring to track population changes in real-time.
- Use of sustainable fishing gear designed to target…
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Author : Ava Thompson
Publish date : 2025-11-14 00:27:00
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