According to the Asean Biodiversity Outlook 2, Asean member states have identified 112 invasive alien species affecting forests, agriculture and aquatic ecosystems. “Given that we have all these introduced species already being considered economically important and are being used in aquaculture, it is imperative that we focus our research and technology development on the breeding, propagation and culture of our native species like ayungin, tawilis, maliputo, igat and native hito, both for conservation and sustainable aquaculture,” said Dr. Ma. Rowena Equia, a geneticist from Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (Seafdec/AQD), an international body which promotes sustainable fisheries development in Southeast Asia.

Yan, G. (2021, August 30). Where have our native fish gone?. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. B5.