James RickardInvasive species may not be as bad as we thought
September 3rd 2009 01:13
Although I've written about non-native species bofore, a new study reports they may not be as detrimental as previously thought.
These studies and the scientists involved deserve our respect but, in looking at the big picture, one has to wonder about the long term impact of introducing non-native species into an area.
Before we tackle that idea, it must be pointed out that this practice is nothing new. Although this blog focuses on fishing, biologists have been using various species of insects for generations rather than turn to insecticides to combat nature's predators.
When it comes to non-native fish, they often rise to the top of the flood chain because they have no natural predators. Does that mean scientists have to come to the rescue? If that is the case, is Man playing God? Further, don't bass and bluegill coexist and don't sharks inhabit the same waters as their prey? They're both big time predators. AND this is part of the big picture!
It's often taken several generations for numbers to support healthy coexistence. That, also, is part of the big picture. With that in mind, perhaps it is best to leave these musings to the minds and thought of scientists for I am but a humble fisherman.
These studies and the scientists involved deserve our respect but, in looking at the big picture, one has to wonder about the long term impact of introducing non-native species into an area.
Before we tackle that idea, it must be pointed out that this practice is nothing new. Although this blog focuses on fishing, biologists have been using various species of insects for generations rather than turn to insecticides to combat nature's predators.
When it comes to non-native fish, they often rise to the top of the flood chain because they have no natural predators. Does that mean scientists have to come to the rescue? If that is the case, is Man playing God? Further, don't bass and bluegill coexist and don't sharks inhabit the same waters as their prey? They're both big time predators. AND this is part of the big picture!
It's often taken several generations for numbers to support healthy coexistence. That, also, is part of the big picture. With that in mind, perhaps it is best to leave these musings to the minds and thought of scientists for I am but a humble fisherman.
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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