Introduced Species and/or Exotics

Non-native species (also called introduced species or exotics) may be raised in aquaculture to meet a market demand, to diversify products, or for their beneficial aquaculture characteristics.  There are also concerns about the potential effects of non-native species on the environment if they escape from culture systems.  These concerns include introduction of pathogens and parasites, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and genetic alterations of indigenous species.  The above topics will be discussed and will include identifying real and perceived ethical conflicts that aquaculture currently faces pertaining to non-native species, potential concerns in the future and suggestions on how to avoid or minimize these concerns.