In the Quintana Roo, Mexico area, a special brigade is already carrying out tasks to investigate and capture the known as “devil fish”. This is a highly invasive species that could cause serious environmental damage.
Although it is native to the South American region, its presence in the Bacalar Lagoon in the aforementioned Mexican area was recently confirmed.
The dangers of the devil fish in Mexico
The devil fish or plecos (Pterygoplichthys spp) is a species native to South America. However, the College of the Southern Border, in Quintana Roo, recently confirmed its presence in the Bacalar Lagoon.
It is an invasive fish, with the potential to cause “environmental” and economic damage in freshwater bodies, as stated by the Director General of the Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas (IBANQROO), Javier Carballar.
On the night of February 8th, two fish identified as devil fish were captured on the shore of the Cenote Negro at depths of eight and three meters respectively.
Additionally, biometric data such as total length, weight, and sex determination were recorded, reported Mateo Sabido, Head of the Southern Zone Department of Protected Natural Areas of IBANQROO.
With these captures, the invasion of the devil fish in the lagoon body is confirmed.
The special brigade
That is why they implemented the first investigation and capture brigade of the devil fish in two cenotes of the Bacalar Lagoon.
It is made up of the IBANQROO, in coordination with:
- The Subdirectorate of Ecology and Environment of the Bacalar City Council,
- The Municipal Police, Firefighters,
- Members of the Aak Mahahual A.C. Project,
- Tourist service providers
For Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, “it is a priority to work together for conservation” within the framework of the New Agreement for the Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo.
Therefore, the brigade will first work in the cenotes Negro and Cocalitos in the Bacalar Lagoon.
Authorities and volunteers have reached agreements, including the organization of prospecting brigades and captures of this species in strategic sites of the Bacalar Lagoon.
Strengthening dissemination with the tourist service provider sector and implementing a sighting network are also part of the functions.
The authorities’ request
According to local authorities, these actions are essential to raise awareness among the population about the environmental issue. They also asked to “join allies for its management and control”.
The search for the devil fish. (Photo: Government of Quintana Roo).[/caption>
In this sense, they spread a message through social media and communication channels: “If you spot a “devil fish”, report it to the Subdirectorate of Ecology and Environment of Bacalar”! Through the numbers 983 155 5898 or 983 106 9565, remember that your collaboration is important for the conservation of our biodiversity“.
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