The State Fisheries Department’s initiative to introduce common carp into riverine ecosystems in the Nilgiris has sparked concerns among scientists and conservationists. The move, part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to restock rivers, has raised fears that potentially invasive species could have detrimental effects on the region’s delicate ecology, particularly in river systems linked to the Moyar basin that hosts critically endangered fish species like the hump-backed mahseer.
Jothilakshmanan, Assistant Director of Fisheries (Nilgiris district), revealed that common carp introduction was underway in key locations such as the Kamaraj Sagar Dam, Pykara Lake, and Glenmorgan in the Nilgiris.
However, conservationists argue that introducing species like carp, known to become invasive in various parts of the world, poses a threat to highly endemic and endangered aquatic flora, including the Nilgiri danio, Nilgiri barb, Bowany barb, and the critically endangered hump-backed mahseer.
These concerns extend to the Moyar River, home to a diverse range of native and endemic biodiversity, which could be adversely impacted by the introduction of invasive species.
Dr. Vidyadhar Atkore, a scientist at the Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History, highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences of common carp proliferation in river ecosystems. He emphasized the need for studies to understand the impact of these fish on local flora and fauna.
Conservationists stress that the Moyar, already rich in endemic species and housing critically endangered mahseer, faces additional risks from non-native, potentially invasive species that may out-compete native fish.
In response to these concerns, Collector M. Aruna stated that neither the Forest Department nor Fisheries Department had informed her of the potential risks associated with restocking carp into Nilgiris dams. She pledged to order a review into the program to address the conservationists’ apprehensions.
Source: The Hindu
