In an effort to beautify a local park and attract more visitors, Yuli Township Office in Hualien County introduced 150 non-native fish — koi and red Nile tilapia — into a public pond. What was intended as a gesture toward enhancing biodiversity quickly turned into a public relations crisis, sparking backlash from ecologists and concerned citizens.
This controversy highlights a larger national conversation in Taiwan about ecological responsibility, public engagement in environmental decisions, and the balance between aesthetics and conservation.
Background:
The announcement came through a Facebook post on Sunday, where the township office described the project as an initiative to “enrich biodiversity” and make the park more attractive. The fish, according to township chief Kung Wen-chung (龔文俊), were provided by Hualien’s Aquaculture Breeding Institute and were “genetically improved” to be environmentally safe.
However, an earlier post that more explicitly claimed the fish would enhance biodiversity was deleted following public criticism, which only deepened suspicion.
Public Reaction and Scientific Concerns:
More than 300 comments flooded the social media post, with most accusing the township of ecological negligence. Critics argued:
- 🧬 Non-native species may disrupt local ecosystems, outcompeting or preying on endemic species.
- 🗣️ The initiative lacked public consultation or input from qualified ecologists.
- ❌ The claim that it boosts biodiversity was scientifically misleading.
Professor Huang Wen-bin (黃文彬) from National Dong Hwa University’s College of Environmental Studies stated that the move was “ecologically inappropriate,” particularly because heavy rains could allow the fish to escape into nearby rivers, where they could have unpredictable impacts.
Township’s Defense:
Kung pushed back on criticism, asserting:
- 🐌 Koi eat the eggs of golden apple snails, an invasive pest damaging local crops.
- 🐠 Red Nile tilapia are already widespread in Taiwan’s aquaculture and natural waterways.
- 🧬 The breeds used are “genetically improved” and not capable of spreading or dominating local ecosystems.
- 🎣 In 2018, the township introduced red Nile tilapia, but they were fished out by visitors — prompting a new rule banning fishing in the pond.
Analysis: What Really Is Biodiversity?
This incident reveals a common misconception: biodiversity isn’t just about more species, but about maintaining a stable, diverse, and native ecosystem. Introducing vibrant, foreign species like koi may visually enhance an area but could lead to long-term ecological imbalance, especially if these species reproduce, spread, or alter the food web.
Although red Nile tilapia and koi might not be immediate threats, their presence in natural settings may create subtle shifts in predator-prey dynamics, water chemistry, and nutrient cycles. Moreover, public officials framing ornamental introductions as “biodiversity efforts” without ecological vetting undermines trust and scientific transparency.
Moving Forward: A Need for Environmental Governance
Rather than relying on cosmetic solutions, experts recommend:
- 🧪 Consulting ecologists before introducing new species.
- 📢 Engaging local communities in environmental planning.
- 🛑 Avoiding the use of biodiversity as a buzzword unless supported by evidence.
- 📝 Establishing clearer legal frameworks for managing non-native species in public spaces.
FAQs
Why is introducing koi and red Nile tilapia controversial?
Because they are non-native species and can disrupt local ecosystems if they escape or establish populations outside of managed environments.
Are these fish harmful to Taiwan’s environment?
Not necessarily in a closed pond, but risks increase if flooding or human activity causes them to enter natural waterways.
Did Yuli Township consult environmental experts?
There is no record of formal ecological assessments before the introduction, which is a key point of criticism.
What are golden apple snails and why are they mentioned?
They are invasive snails that damage crops, and koi fish are known to eat their eggs, which was used to justify the koi’s introduction.
What steps should be taken before introducing species into the wild or public ecosystems?
Environmental impact assessments, ecological consultation, and risk management strategies are essential.
