The secretary of agriculture and mining of the department of Huila has launched an alert regarding the possible presence of the Pangasius fish in the Betania Dam, a reservoir fed by the Magdalena River. Given that there is still no legal regulation for its cultivation in Colombia, this situation generates great concern among the authorities and the community.
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Testimonies from artisanal fishermen have raised suspicions about the presence of the Pangasius fish in the Betania Dam. Given this situation, Carlos Alberto Cuéllar Medina, head of the portfolio, has issued an alert to the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority (AUNAP) to take urgent measures.
The Pangasius fish represents a significant threat as it is an exotic species and illegally introduced into the natural environment. Despite the interest of growers in its high feed conversion and market growth, there is still no regulation in force for its cultivation in Colombia. Therefore, its presence in the Betania Dam poses serious risks to the local ecosystem and the native species of the Magdalena River.
Originally from the rivers of Southeast Asia, the Pangasius fish has been introduced to several regions of the world for commercial farming, but its adaptation to new environments has raised alarm about possible adverse effects.
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Environmental organizations have expressed their opposition to the legalization of the cultivation of this species, warning of the possible negative effects on local ecosystems. The Pangasius fish, being a voracious and fast-growing predator, could compete for resources with native species, altering the natural balance of ecosystems and affecting biological diversity.