In a statement, Reyes says, "Not only are invasive species threatening our agriculture, fisheries and forests, they are also causing major impacts to human health and tourism."
He identified these threats as the South American catfish, also known as the janitor fish, the African catfish, and the golden apple snail. These menacing species were either intentionally or accidentally introduced in the Philippine ecosystem and now pose a threat to the existence of local species.
The African catfish are eating smaller, native species of fresh water fish while the janitor fish has the ability to multiply in great numbers and are now competing for food with fresh water fishes.
Fishermen who depends for their livelihood fishing the waters off Marikina River and the country's largest lake, Laguna Lake, are complaining of dwindling catch because of the "invasion" of the janitor fish.
On the other hand, the golden snail which was introduced in the Philippines for aquarium enthusiasts, escaped into rice paddies where they wreck havoc on agricultural plants.
Alien plants that have invaded the country include the fast-growing softwood yemane and Leucaena leucocephala, as well as mahogany, Reyes said.
He said part of the plan in combating these threats is to control the species through early detection, rapid response, surveillance and other initiatives.
The secretary is also calling for greater public awareness of invasive alien species and vowed stricter laws to regulate imports, field release, and breeding of organisms that are perceived to be a threat to the people and the environment.
