TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: A new study has revealed that two species of mosquitofish have invaded various ecosystems across India.
EXPLANATION:
A Growing Challenge in Mosquito Management
- Increasing Mosquito-Borne Diseases:
- The changing world climate has led to the accelerated spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
- It is affecting over 150 countries and posing a significant public health concern.
- 40 million cases are reported annually in India alone.
- Biological Control Solutions:
- In the 1960s, amidst concerns about the adverse effects of chemical pesticides, the introduction of mosquitofish, such as Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki, gained prominence as an eco-friendly alternative for mosquito larvae control.
Release Programs Across States:
- Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab Initiatives: Recent months have seen government and non-governmental organizations releasing mosquitofish in water bodies to combat mosquito issues in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab.
- Visakhapatnam’s Ongoing Efforts: In Visakhapatnam, officials plan to release an additional six lakh mosquitofish, adding to the 20 lakh released a few months ago.
Origins and Global Spread:
- Global Invasion: Initially from the U.S., Gambusia species, notorious for adaptability and tolerance, have spread globally, establishing self-sustaining populations, including in India.
- Invasive Nature: The unintended consequence has been the detrimental ecological impact, displacing and preying on native fauna, leading to the extinction of indigenous fish, amphibians, and freshwater communities.
Historical Use of Mosquitofish in India: Well-Intentioned but Misguided
- ICMR and Governmental Initiatives:
- Gambusia was first introduced during British rule in 1928, with various governmental bodies like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) adopting the strategy to control mosquito-borne diseases.
- Expanding Adoption: Municipal corporations, health departments, fisheries departments, and private organizations joined efforts to introduce mosquitofish across India.
- Ecological Backfire:
- Unforeseen Consequences: Despite good intentions, the strategy backfired, resulting in severe ecological and environmental repercussions.
- Invasive Alien Species Designation: In 2018, the National Biodiversity Authority of the Government of India labeled G. affinis and G. holbrooki as invasive alien species due to their impact on indigenous biodiversity.
Studies on Consequences:
- Australian Extinction Case: In Australia, introduced mosquitofish contributed to the extinction of endemic fish species and preyed on native fish and frog eggs.
- Global Recognition: Designated among the hundred most detrimental invasive alien species, mosquitofish’s negative impact on aquatic biodiversity is recognized globally.
- Current Challenges and Call for Action: Rethinking Mosquito Control
Ineffective Control Measures:
- In 1982, the World Health Organization ceased recommending Gambusia as a mosquito control agent, recognizing its harmful consequences.
- Continued Use in India: Despite global awareness, both governmental and non-governmental organizations in India persist in introducing these species for mosquito control.
Stringent Measures and Alternatives:
- A call for more stringent enforcement measures to prevent further introduction of mosquitofish in freshwater ecosystems.
- Local Alternatives: Suggestions for collaborative efforts between mosquito biologists, entomologists, invasion ecologists, and fish taxonomists to identify native fish species capable of controlling mosquito larvae, ensuring ecological balance.
Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Approach for Sustainable Solutions
- Addressing the Wolf and Termites Analogy: Drawing an analogy, the challenge is both a ‘wolf at the door’ and ‘termites at the base,’ requiring a multi-pronged approach.
- National Centre’s Role: Urging the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control to reconsider its recommendation for mosquitofish use.
- Expert Collaboration: The need for collaboration between experts in various fields to compile lists of native fish species capable of mosquito control, promoting local solutions without ecological repercussions.
- Preserving Indigenous Biodiversity: Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding indigenous aquatic biodiversity and the well-being of native species.
- The mosquitofish scenario in India serves as a crucial lesson in the careful consideration, research, and monitoring required when implementing biological control methods for pest species.
- As the nation grapples with mosquito-borne diseases, a shift towards sustainable, locally tailored solutions is imperative to mitigate the ecological impact and protect India’s diverse ecosystems.