An application of international codes of practice on introductions of aquatic organisms: assessment of a project on the use of Chinese carps in Mozambique. FAO Fisheries Circular. No. 863.
International codes of practice on the use of exotic species were used to judge the desirability of utilizing Chinese carp for increased food production and control of aquatic vegetation in Mozambique. Resource managers, scientists, fishers, fish farmers, and local fish markets were surveyed to provide information on the feasibility and constraints to the use of Chinese carps. Although exotic species, such as common carp and black bass, have established reproducing populations and there is a high level of desire to raise Chinese carps in southern Africa, it was determined that in Mozambique the culture of Chinese carps for increased food production was not warranted given the status of indigenous fishery resources. However, grass carp should be utilized to control aquatic weed infestations. The international codes of practice provided a very useable framework to evaluate the proposed use of exotic species.