Joshi, A. (2023, November 23). Nepal’s water hyacinth helps exotic fish invade, harming native species: Study Retrieved January 27, 2024, from https://news.mongabay.com/2023/11/nepals-water-hyacinth-helps-exotic-fish-invade-harming-native-species-study/ 

 

A study testing the impact of invasive plant species water hyacinth on exotic fish species in Pokhara, Nepal suggests that the invasive plant is helping exotic fish invade lakes, which is resulting in less biodiversity and a damaged food web.  The study suggests that lakes in Pokhara, Nepal are in danger, and native fish populations are plummeting.  The source of the problem is humans. Humans have used up the land and have caused water pollution. Also, Exotic fish such as Nile tilapia and glassfish were introduced to these lakes by humans, and the invasive plant as well. Luckily change is being implemented, and the Nepal Supreme Court has made policies regarding this matter. On September 28 Nepal’s supreme court issued that all human-made landmarks within 65 meters of the banks of Fewa Lake in Pokhara will be removed. Also, methods are being implemented to remove the invasive plant water hyacinth, for example, uprooting devices are being implemented, but the problem is far from being resolved, and native fish species continue to struggle.  

 

The article addresses the urgency of controlling the spread of invasive species and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The study showed how exotic fish hurt aquatic ecosystems by providing competition for native fish, and in this case, the additional invasive plant water hyacinth aids in the survival and spread of exotic fishes, showing how invasive species pose immense threats to food webs in ecosystems. But the article also shed light on human impact, and how water pollution has made matters worse. Overall because of humans these lakes face danger, and it’s up to humans to solve this issue. Luckily changes are being made so hopefully water quality will improve, and research will be developed. However, the success of these lakes depends on the success of human conservation efforts, ultimately highlighting the importance of acting early on invasive species and preventing their spread.