Introduction of Non-Native Fish Species in Red Sea Aquaculture: Implications for Marine Ecosystem Integrity

Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding industry that holds significant potential to meet growing seafood demands and it is expected to alleviate pressures on wild stocks. The use of non-native fishes has been practiced worldwide as a strategy to enhance production and to promote financial sustainability in aquaculture. However, the introduction and cultivation of non-native species (hereafter, NNS) in aquaculture can pose severe risks to marine ecosystems, particularly in biodiverse regions like the Red Sea. This review explores insights about commercially produced species, the rationale of introducing NNS, and the potential associated risks, focusing on escapees, genetic pollution, and competition with native species, disease transmission, and habitat modification. The review also highlights the ecological consequences of such risks and proposes strategies to mitigate their impacts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable aquaculture practices to safeguard marine ecosystem integrity in the region.