ERADICATING INVASIVE FISH SPECIES: CAN WE EAT THE PROBLEM AWAY?

ERADICATING INVASIVE FISH SPECIES: CAN WE EAT THE PROBLEM AWAY?

Some of the most destructive creatures in Philippine waters didn’t evolve here. They were introduced. And over time, they’ve quietly taken over, wiping out native species and upsetting aquatic ecosystems. The invaders? Not pirates. Not foreign fishing fleets. But fish.

Let’s name names: Clown Knifefish, Eastern Mosquitofish, Thai Catfish, African Catfish, Rice Paddy Eel, Janitor Fish, and all varieties of Tilapia. Yes, even Tilapia. Though it’s a household staple on many Filipino tables, every single Tilapia in this country is invasive. Not one is native—and yet, most Filipinos assume otherwise.

Meanwhile, our native Hito (Clarias macrocephalus) is quietly losing ground to the African and Thai cousins. Our native Dalag, Ayungin, and Biya are being outcompeted in their own home waters. How did we let this happen?

Understanding the Invasion

Let’s not overcomplicate it. Invasive species are simply outsiders that do damage. According to Copilot’s helpful summary, they harm ecosystems by preying on native species, competing for food and space, spreading diseases, and fundamentally altering aquatic habitats.

They’re like bullies in a school playground where the teacher never steps in. And worse, since they have no natural predators, they multiply unchecked, crowding out everything else. You’ll often hear the ecological term “biodiversity loss.” This is what it looks like.

So, What’s the Government Doing?

Apparently, we have something called the National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP), led by the DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB). But what have they done lately?

Good question.

NISSAP’s stated goals are sound: identify invasive species, screen new ones, and implement management strategies. But from where I sit—and from what little is accessible online—the implementation seems vague and limited in scope, especially if it only covers lakes. What about rivers, estuaries, or even floodplains?

Our problems are not only floating in lakes—they’re swimming all over the country.

Between Economy and Ecology

Here’s the dilemma: Tilapia is invasive, yes—but it’s also a major livelihood source. Thousands of families depend on it for food and income. That said, its spread may be hurting Milkfish (Bangus) growers, who now face intense competition in local lakes.

Which one contributes more to the economy? Which one is more sustainable in the long run? Should we keep Tilapia in enclosed fishponds only and protect native habitats from further invasion?

This is not just a science issue—it’s also economic policy. We need a serious cost-benefit analysis—a proper econometric study that weighs the impact of eradicating versus regulating Tilapia and other invasive species. I strongly suggest a multi-agency think tank to handle this. Bring together DENR-BMB, BFAR, DOST, and even NEDA and DTI.

Can We Eat the Problem?

Interestingly, some invasive fish are edible. Take the Clown Knifefish. It’s aggressive, but tasty. Could we follow the logic of “if you can’t beat it, eat it”? Maybe. A national “Knifefish Fiesta,” perhaps? Joking aside, this is serious: if the public learns to consume these species, we can create a market-driven solution to a biological problem.

Unfortunately, not all invaders are that appetizing. Janitor Fish, for example, are notoriously unpalatable. But must they go to waste?

This is where innovation must enter. Why not ask DOST and DTI to develop alternative uses for Janitor Fish? Think: pet food, fish meal, organic fertilizers, or even bioplastics. Why stop there? Give LGUs and entrepreneurs incentives to harvest and convert these pests into profit.

Protecting What’s Ours

While we talk about fighting invasive fish, we must not forget the native species we’re trying to protect. Many of them are on the brink—once common, now rare. If other countries have succeeded in reviving endangered flora and fauna, why not us?

But it’s not just about biology. It’s about heritage and food security. We need to remember that our waters once teemed with diversity—each fish species with a role, a purpose, a place. Our grandparents fished Dalag, Bia, Paitan, and Ayungin—not because they were gourmet, but because they were abundant and nutritious.

Let’s make sure our grandchildren get that same chance.

A Call to Action

This problem needs political will. We can’t leave it to researchers alone. We need policy, programs, and public engagement. From national funding to barangay-level action, from academic research to local fisherfolk cooperatives.

The invasive species crisis is not just an environmental issue. It is a test of governance. Are we managing our natural resources—or letting them be overrun?

We already know what the problem is. The next question is: do we act now, or wait until our last native fish disappears?

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

08-19-2025

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