More often than not, many people initially have a certain kind of perception when it comes to aliens. In the environment world, invasive aliens are a type of species that grow and multiply in the wild which is not their natural habitat. This occurs accidentally or deliberately.
Similar to popular preconceived notions of aliens, this invasive species can be dangerous and extremely harmful to ecosystems and people. An example of this could be seen with the arise of red crayfish spreading at a rapid rate. An article from the Times of Malta said :
Environmentalist Alan Deidun has warned that red crayfish, an invasive species
which “wreaks havoc” on freshwater species, is “spreading like hell".
Professor Deidun said the EU had listed the red crayfish as one of the most
invasive freshwater ones, and was calling upon Member States to take action.
An alien species of puffer fish was present in the Mediterranean sea in 2004 and last caught in Gnejna Bay has been responsible for a number of deaths. The fish has a poisonous venom that spreads throughout a majority of the body and can induce mild to serious symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, muscular paralysis of the limbs and cardiac arrest. The rise in illness and death is largely due to unawareness of such creatures.
Environmentalist Alan Deidun has warned that red crayfish, an invasive species
which “wreaks havoc” on freshwater species, is “spreading like hell".
Professor Deidun said the EU had listed the red crayfish as one of the most
invasive freshwater ones, and was calling upon Member States to take action.
An alien species of puffer fish was present in the Mediterranean sea in 2004 and last caught in Gnejna Bay has been responsible for a number of deaths. The fish has a poisonous venom that spreads throughout a majority of the body and can induce mild to serious symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, headaches, muscular paralysis of the limbs and cardiac arrest. The rise in illness and death is largely due to unawareness of such creatures.
With more regular sightings of such creatures, The Environment and Resources Authority, The University of Malta and various other institutes have now come together to strategise a solution. Most recently, the ERA announced eight complementary codes of good practice to aid the situation, as well as a campaign. The campaign 'Spot the Alien Fish' is controlled by the Department of Geosciences at the University of Malta.
It must be kept in mind that although these creatures can prove to be harmful, it is extremely unnecessary to harm them. A number of strategies have been in the works to tackle the situation in a way that does not further harm the ecosystem as well as these creatures. Thus, it is of utmost importance to be informed and aware about where the food we consume comes from.
http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2018-11-23/local-news/Toxic-fish-caught-once-again-in-Maltese-waters-6736199777
https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20181205/local/invasive-aliens-in-environment-authoritys-crosshairs.695958
http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2018-11-23/local-news/Toxic-fish-caught-once-again-in-Maltese-waters-6736199777
https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20181205/local/invasive-aliens-in-environment-authoritys-crosshairs.695958
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