Source: The post is based on the article “Gambusia fish remain popular to beat mosquitoes” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd November 2023
Why in the News?
Recently, various government and non-governmental organizations in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab have released mosquitofish into local water bodies to address the problem of mosquitoes.
What is Mosquitofish?
Mosquitofish is the name given to Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooks.
These fishes are native to the waters of the North America, particularly the southeastern coast of United States.
They have been a part of mosquito-control strategies for over a century in various parts of the world. A single full grown mosquitofish eats about 100 to 300 mosquito larvae per day.
However, these fishes are known for their detrimental ecological impact as they feed on native fauna leading to the extinction of native fish, amphibians and various freshwater communities.
Aided by their robust adaptability and high tolerance for fluctuating environmental conditions, they have become some of the most widely dispersed freshwater fish.
When was Mosquitofish introduced in India?
In 1928, Mosquitofish was first introduced in India during British rule.
Various governmental organisations, such as the ICMR (which plays a significant role in mosquito management in the country), the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), local municipal corporations, alongside other private organisations in India, took over as part of their efforts to combat malaria.
Today, it has become widespread in India, establishing self-sustaining populations in various habitats.
Is Mosquitofish still used for mosquito control?
In 1982, the World Health Organisation (WHO) withdrew Gambusia as a mosquito control agent.
In 2018, National Biodiversity Authority of the Government of India labeled Gambusia as an invasive alien species.
Despite these actions, both government and non-governmental organizations in India still release Gambusia for mosquito control purposes.
What are the measures needed to control the use of Mosquitofish?
1) Enforcement Measures: Stricter enforcement needed to prevent further introduction of mosquitofish into freshwater ecosystems.
2) Recommendation Removal: The National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, should remove the recommendation on its website for use of Gambusia in mosquito control.
3) Local Solutions for Mosquito Control: Focus on local solutions such as compiling lists of native fish species that are capable of controlling mosquito larvae. These fishes can be released into the environment to manage mosquitoes avoiding ecological risks from invasive species.
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