Emerging risks of non-native species escapes from aquaculture: call for policy improvements in China and other developing countries

1. Global aquaculture relies heavily on the farming of non-native aquatic species (hereafter, NAS). NAS escapes from aquaculture facilities can result in serious aquatic bio-invasions, which has been an important issue in the FAO Blue Growth Initiative. A regulatory quagmire regarding NAS farming and escapes, however, exists in most developing countries.

2. We discuss aquaculture expansion and NAS escapes, illustrate emerging risks, and propose recommendations for improved aquaculture management across developing countries and particularly for China.

3. In China, 68 NAS are known to have successfully established feral populations in natural habitats due to recurrent leakages or escapes; among the 68 NAS, 52 represent risks to native aquatic ecosystems. In addition to affecting a country’s own biodiversity and ecosystem functions, NAS escapees can also threaten the biosecurity of shared waters in neighboring countries.

4. Policy implications. Non-native aquatic species (NAS) es...