Andaman government warns against import of fish from outside

Port Blair, Aug 23 (PTI) Amid concern that invasivespecies can harm marine ecology in the Andaman and Nicobarislands, the union territory administration today warnedagainst importing live fish without clearance. "It has come to notice that some persons or traders aretransporting live fish seed to the islands from mainlandthrough ship-air route," a statement from the fisheriesdepartment said. It cited provisions of the A & N Marine Fishing Rule–2004,which bars import of any species of fish (live) freshwater ormarine including its juveniles or seedlings whether indigenousor exotic to the islands. "It is therefore to inform all concerned not to importany species of live fish of freshwater or marine including itsjuveniles or seedlings to the islands from the mainlandwithout proper clearance from the competent authority," thestatement said. According to rules, such import can however only beallowed for research or scientific purpose. Ecologists have been raising voice against import ofspecies from mainland, some of which can become invasive inthe future and harm marine ecological balance. PTI NIK MDKUN