Introduction and distribution of exotic fish in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Twenty species of exotic freshwater fish are known to have been introduced to Papua New Guinea. These introductions have been made for various reasons for mosquito control, to establish sport fisheries, to improve the protein-deficient diet of inland people, to supply forage for introduced predatory fish, and for aquaculture. Nine of these species, including two that presumably escaped from ornamental aquaria, are now established in natural waters. Salmo gairdneri is, to date, the only species showing potential for intensive aquaettlture, while two species originally intended for aquaculture, Tilapia mossambica and Cyprinus carpio, support fisheries in natural waters. The Department of Primary Industry has severely restricted the importation and distribution of most exotic fish, and the severity of the restrictions will probably increase.