Non-Native Species in Aquaculture: Burgeoning Production and Environmental Sustainability Risks

Abstract

Rising global food demands and technological advancements have led to unprecedented growth in the aquaculture industry. This rapid expansion has facilitated the translocation of species beyond their native ranges. While farming non-native species boosts global food supply, it also poses environmental and socio-economic risks when escapees establish in non-native ecosystems. Using FAO data, we quantified and analysed global non-native aquaculture production, economic value, and monetary costs over space and time. Since 1950, one-third of the 560 species used in aquaculture (n = 160) have been farmed outside of their native ranges, totaling 571.6 million tonnes valued at USD 1.2 trillion. Both native and non-native production increased over time, with non-native species showing greater interannual variability. Fishes largely dominated total aquaculture production with 940 million tonnes, of which 182 million tonnes were non-native production (19%). Non-native algae and crustacean production exceeded that of native species, accounting for 67% and 55% of total production, respectively. Notably, non-native crustacean production has grown enormously in recent years, with a rate of change of over 11,000% since 2000, compared to the previous two decades. According to the InvaCost database, 27 non-native species have been associated with reported monetary costs due to their impacts as invasive species. Among them, nine major aquaculture species documented at least USD 6.4 billion in global total costs. To address the rising threats of biological invasions triggered by aquaculture escapees, enhanced biosecurity, stakeholder awareness, and promotion of sustainable use of native resource alternatives are needed.