SW10: Risks of Aquarium Trade in the Great Lakes
Posted by: Caitlin Finn in SW10, tags: aquariums, ballast water, Great Lakes, Live fish markets, ornamental tradeThough ballast water is the most widely recognized pathway for invasive species in the Great Lakes, the sale of live organisms may contribute significantly to the number of introduced non-native species. To assess the dangers associated with the sale of live food and aquarium organisms in the Great Lakes, Rixon et al. (2005) from the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research surveyed the surrounding regions for potentially invasive species sold in markets and pet stores. They indentified potential invaders by investigating each non-native species’ invasion history, frequency of sale, and thermal requirements, which they compared to local environmental data. The results of their survey showed five fish species and five plant species that had the potential for invasion, including two fish and one plant species that had already become established. This study suggests aquarium trade poses a significant risk to the Great Lakes ecosystem, and thus steps should be taken to minimize the introduction of live food and aquarium organisms.
Biodiversity and Conservation. doi: 10.1007/s10531-004-9663-9 (2005).
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March 27th, 2011 at 10:49 am
The sale of non-native organisms is an act that is obviously proving extremely harmful when performed in the Great Lakes. Their introduction seems to be at times conspicuously undergone since markets and pet stores potentially release them unknowingly or without a second thought. Your research on aquarium trade will help to bring to the forefront of everyone’s minds the dangers that can evolve from this overlooked means of species dispersal.
March 27th, 2011 at 11:26 am
We are still without comprehensive ballast water policy, law,or regulation to address all the dangers of ballast water discharges.
One can only wonder if this administration is AS concerned about nuclear contaminated water from the Pacific in ballast water, as they were to watch ballast systems for tar balls going to Lake Pontchartrain. They were warned about both. The administration is obviously following an international approach relying on the IMO for direction and enforcement. This is obvious by the failure of this administration to coordinate Federal agencies with a Coast Guard plan, which sadly only follows the IMO. The Federal government under this administration continues the delay with more and more study until 2013.
Regardless of IMO regulations, international law or treaties, each IMO foreign sea captain works for a different economic interest and performs under independent governance while controlling the ships functions for creating profit. Currently we are protected by only foreign sea captains integrity to perform costly, often dangerous ocean flush’s. Standards that require mandatory technological hardware to clean ballast water from all substances are needed. We needed a President who will direct Congress to address the issue with legislation authorizing the Coast Guard to protect our waters from ballast water, or at least direct the Coast Guard to establish a fast strong comprehensive plan to protect America’s waters now. (not after the next presidential election cycle)
April 5th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
Don, i feel as though we are always caught complaining about a lack of legislation or tax money without any real, definitive solutions. Ballast water exchange can only be limited when fisherman understand the full repercussions of an invasive species on an invaded region. Because the fisherman’s profits aren’t dwindling, there seems like no logical reason to tweak up their fishing routines to meet ecologist’s standards. It’s a sad, but necessary truth: There needs to be a system of punishment and reward for upholding the clean standard. Some, however, would argue that it should be the government’s duty to provide the required machinery and tools need to uphold such a high standard. Either way, once fisherman are held accountable for their catching methods, then real strides can be made in controlling the invasion of aquatic species through ballast exchange.