| English | Introduced species (alien species) are a proven means to increase production and value from aquatic systems.
However, they are now recognized as a serious threat to aquatic biodiversity, and may also cause socio-economic disruption.
Policy makers must balance benefits versus risks. Therefore, a framework is presented that facilitates decision making on when an introduction may be appropriate and when it may not be.
The framework consists of
¿ FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries as an over-arching international instrument;
¿ Codes of practice from EIFAC and ICES on species introductions as practical guidelines;
¿ Database on Introductions of Aquatic Species as an information source on species introductions and impacts;
¿ Regional guidelines on fish health as tools to help avoid transboundary movement of pathogens; and
¿ Precautionary Approach as a means to deal with lack of information and uncertainty.
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