Sustainable Futures
Teesside University has partnered Conicet-Cenpat in Argentina to tackle the issue of invasive alien pathogens brought by non-native crab species. The research aimed to safeguard Argentina’s fisheries by understanding how these new pathogens affect local fish populations and devising strategies to manage and mitigate their impact.
Argentina’s fisheries are crucial to the country’s economy, contributing significantly to global fish supplies. However, invasive crab species carrying harmful pathogens threaten these fisheries. The primary challenge was to identify these pathogens and understand their effects on local fish stocks to ensure the sustainability of the fisheries.
Teesside University’s research team collaborated with local experts to study the pathogens present in these invasive crabs. They employed cutting-edge techniques to identify the specific pathogens and assess their potential impact on the local ecosystem. This included genetic sequencing to understand the pathogen’s characteristics and how it interacts with native species.
The findings from this research led to better monitoring and management practices for invasive species in Argentina. The study provided valuable insights that helped local authorities and fishery managers implement more effective strategies to protect fish populations and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry. The project demonstrated the importance of international collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.