‘We’ll just keep running out of them’

The expansion of the Panama Canal in 2016 helped larger ships pass through the waterway. But this has created an unintended side effect: Saltwater fish from both oceans are now swimming into the canal’s main freshwater lake, pushing out native species and threatening nearby communities. New York Times.

What’s going on?

Scientists at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute found that fish from the Atlantic and Pacific (including snook, jacks, and snapper) have increased significantly in Gatún Lake since the canal expansion. These oceanic species are replacing peacock bass and tilapia, two freshwater fish. local people to trust to eat.

The changes are affecting people like Félix Martínez González, who was fishing on Gatún Lake in his powder blue kayak.

“I’m not worried about myself, I’m worried about the next generation,” he said. “All this affects them too.” He recently caught just 16 kilos of fish in six hours, half his usual catch before the expansion.

Local fishing guide Oswaldo Alberto Robles also sees the impact on sport fishing. “Imagine 20, 30, 40 boats searching for one fish,” he said. “We will continue to get rid of them faster and faster.”

Why is this fish invasion concerning?

The problem goes beyond less fish for dinner. Scientists worry that some species, such as the poisonous Caribbean lionfish, could swim into the Pacific Ocean and harm fish populations there. The canal’s rising salt levels also threaten half of Panama’s drinking water.

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Manuel Cheng Peñalba, a member of Panama’s legislature, points out that no one discussed the salt issue before the canal was expanded. People are now worried about access to water in one of the world’s rainiest countries.

What is being done against fish invasion?

Panama’s leaders say they are working on solutions. Environment minister Juan Carlos Navarro used a Spanish phrase to describe their approach: “I dress slowly because I’m in a hurry” – meaning they will act urgently but carefully.

Scientists think adding barriers such as electric fields or air bubble curtains may deter some fish. However, these fixes can slow down ships. When it comes to invasive species, the consequences are difficult to predict.

Working on similar issues in the Suez Canal, Dr. Bella Galil said it takes time to control unwanted species. “It takes a lifetime,” he said. “But if you don’t start, you’ll be left with a ruined sea.”

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