Effects of Nonnative Fishes on Commercial Seine Fisheries: Evidence from a Long-Term Data Set

Alexander B Orfinger,Quan T Lai,Ryan M Chabot

doi:10.3390/w11061165

Abstract

Dozens of introduced exotic freshwater fish species inhabit the state of Florida. These nonnative fishes interact with freshwater commercial fisheries in a variety of ways, influencing catch abundance, composition, and revenue. Using a 22-year data set collected from a commercial haul seine fishery, we aimed to explore the dynamics of yield and revenue in relation to nonnative fishes, with emphasis on the suckermouth armored catfishes (Pterygoplichthys spp.). Using profit index metrics and the inverse Simpson’s diversity index, we found that non-native tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) and brown hoplo (Hoplosternum littorale) provided economic benefits while suckermouth armored catfishes seemed to disrupt catch consistency and lower profit index values. To reduce the negative impacts of the suckermouth armored catfishes and subsequently exert pressure on their population, we suggest marketing these edible fishes for human and/or animal consumption.

Highlights

Introductions of nonnative species can have impacts on the ecology, biodiversity, human and non-human health, and economies of the novel geographic range, e.g., [1] and papers therein
Aquatic habitats are not immune, with at least 42 exotic fish species having been reported as established in Florida freshwater systems [4]
We aimed to explore the influence of Pterygoplichthys spp. and other nonnative fishes on catch composition and economic output using a long-term data set from a commercial haul seine fishery

Summary

Introduction

Introductions of nonnative species can have impacts on the ecology, biodiversity, human and non-human health, and economies of the novel geographic range, e.g., [1] and papers therein. Such impacts may manifest as either positive, negative, or mixed outcomes [1]. Aquatic habitats are not immune, with at least 42 exotic fish species having been reported as established in Florida freshwater systems [4]. Among these are the South American suckermouth armored catfishes of the genus Pterygoplichthys (Siluriformes: Loricariidae). Members of this genus have been introduced to at least five continents and

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Conclusion