Recently, according to Japanese media reports, Japan has banned the sale or release of crayfish and painted turtles since June 1, and violators face 3 years in prison or a fine of 3 million yen, about 150,000 yuan. Japan claims that crayfish are an alien species that invaded Japan, and the large number of breeding has seriously damaged Japan's natural ecosystem.
The origin of crayfish
The origin of crayfish is China. They live in China's freshwater waters, especially the Yangtze and Pearl River basins. In China, crayfish is an important aquatic product and one of the main ingredients in many regional cuisines.
Effects caused by crayfish
Due to its delicious taste and economic value, crayfish has gradually attracted international attention in recent years and has been introduced to some other countries for farming and cultivation. When crayfish are introduced into a new ecosystem, they may compete with local species for resources, occupy habitats, and alter the local food chain and ecological balance. This can lead to the reduction or extinction of original species, and even adversely affect local water quality and vegetation. Proper management and monitoring is important to ensure that there is no damage to the local ecosystem. However, it is important to note that crayfish are not a species that causes ecosystem damage in all regions. In China, where it originates, crayfish have been in harmony with local ecosystems for hundreds of years and have become an important local resource and food.
The actual harm caused by crayfish
One example is in Louisiana, USA, where crayfish (also known as "Crawfish") gradually became a local invasive species after being introduced in local lakes and rivers. They thrive in this ecosystem, occupying habitats and resources that would otherwise belong to other native species.
Another example is that crayfish were introduced to the UK in the 70s of the 20th century and have since spread rapidly, replacing native crayfish and destroying local ecosystems. For decades, the British government and celebrities have been concerned about the dangers of crayfish invasions and have called for people to trap and eat them. Many chefs have also begun to develop crayfish recipes to address this "delicious species"
In addition to crayfish, we need to recognize the potential risks that alien species can pose to ecosystems and take appropriate measures to ensure that their introduction and management do not adversely affect local biodiversity and ecological balance.
The editor hereby laments that the poor Japanese can no longer taste the deliciousness of crayfish.