From primary to secondary invasions: Strategies to mitigate the invasion risk of pikeperch

Abstract

Aquaculture, as a major source of protein in the food industry, heavily relies on the introduction and farming of non-native species. Pikeperch, Sander lucioperca, an important fish in aquaculture, poses a threat to the survival of native species because it is a piscivore and has been introduced globally. To address this issue, we examined the niche dynamics of invasive populations by comparing the climatic niches of native and invasive populations of Pikeperch. Predictive models based on global occurrence data were used to assess the distribution areas of native and invasive populations, and the model results were converted into area measurements to estimate the potential invasion risk of pikeperch. The results show that invasive populations, especially those in Asia, occupy broader climatic niches. The main difference is that, compared to native-range populations, non-natives occupy warmer and more humid regions. These climatic differences have led to niche expansion by invasive populations, with invasive populations (particularly in Asia) showing a greater potential for invasion. we applied niche modeling to evaluate the potential invasion risks associated with introducing different geographic populations. Our models provide a scientific basis for managing aquaculture introductions, aiming to reduce invasion risks and minimiz both ecological and economic impacts.