The rapid expansion of aquaculture in India has been largely driven by the introduction of non-native fish (NNF) species, such as tilapia, pangasius Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, vannamei Litopaeneus vannamei, tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, pacu Piaractus brachypomus and trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. These species are deemed to significantly boost food security, economy, and rural employment by enhancing food production and opening up export markets. Their adaptability and high productivity make them attractive for commercial aquaculture, contributing to economic upliftment across Asian countries. However, the growing reliance on NNFs presents serious challenges to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning. The introduction of over 600 non-native freshwater fish species in aquaculture and aquarium trade, with 16 identified as invasive, has raised concerns about their ecological impact. These invasive species can disrupt native aquatic ecosystems through competition for resources, and the spread of diseases, often leading to the decline of native species with limited distribution ranges. Based on the field studies, interactions between native and non-native species have been understood to have cascading effects, mostly negative, on the entire community and threatening the conservation of native species, and leading to loss for commercial fishers when the native fish are of economic interest. Biological invasions, often driven by human activities and environment, have been severely impacting native species and ecosystem services. In India, numerous non-native species, introduced for aquaculture and the aquarium trade, pose risks through accidental or intentional releases into the wild leading to changes in the fishery dynamics particularly the catch of native species. Current regulatory frameworks in India are inadequate for managing these risks, as they often fail to balance the needs of aquaculture development with environmental protection (Figure 1).
This study highlights the need for a holistic approach, including quantitative risk assessments, to understand invasion pathways, the life history of non-native species, and their ecological impacts on inland fisheries. To address these challenges, this paper suggests strategic management action with new biosecurity protocols to minimise the adverse ecological impacts of potential non-native species on inland fisheries, while supporting sustainable aquaculture practices in India.