History
For quite some time now, there has been a rising concern in South China Sea. This concern is mainly regarding an insect, known as the giant water bug or Lethocerus indicus, that has become a major problem to the aquatic life in the area. Scientists and experts, who investigated the area, first observed these giant water bugs back in the late 1950s and it was discovered that the insects are capable of eating other insects such as mosquito, a major nuisance for human populations in the sea. But, what was concerning was that these giant water bugs were also reportedly preying on small fish. This gave way to the possibility of them competing with the traditional commercial fishing and interfering with local fisheries and food sources.
Potential Risk and Consequence
The potential risk of this insect was what brought the immediate attention of experts who soon recognized the issue and rushed to the area to try and understand the full extent of the situation. With the number of this insect increasing in the region, it was understandable that the potential risk they posed to the aquatic life and the region itself was overwhelming. According to scientists, this could cause everything ranging from an entire ecosystem collapse to the further destruction of ocean life and the destruction of traditional fishing practices that have been a part of the culture for centuries.
Expert Calls for Action
Experts have since called for immediate action to be taken in order to protect the waters of South China Sea from this seemingly relentless enemy. To solve the situation, many theories have been suggested on a wide scale. Some mentioned include importing predatory fish to reduce their population, introducing some form of natural predator bodies of water and others. Although experts are working to solve the problem, it is still unknown if these suggestions will yield positive results.
Countermeasures
Besides the suggested theories, other countermeasures have been suggested as well. One of it is controlling the entry of the pest by separating infested water sources. This is done by placing large curtains across rivers and streams to prevent the insect from moving upstream. Some have also proposed chemical usage as a way to reduce the population of the pest, and while this may serve as a solution, this will be done at the expense of other water species in the area.
Local Response
Despite the potential danger, the local authorities have yet to launch any major level of response or attention on the matter due to various other pressing concerns that the region is facing. With this most of the responsibility falls on scientists and researchers to figure out and devise a suitable countermeasure. The research team is still looking into the situation, and the hope is that a safe and effective solution can be attained in the near future.
Affected Species
The giant water bug has been known to consume a number of species or aquatic life such as small fish and even shrimp. However, the effects of this insect are not limited to these two, as reports have also been seen stating that the pest has been seen hunting and consuming other aquatic species such as crabs, mollusks, and even small reptiles. In terms of the total number of species affected, the exact amount is yet to be determined as the research is still ongoing.
Environmental Factors
Since the giant water bug is an insect, environmental factors play a huge role in their breeding and spreading. For instance, during monsoon seasons, an increase of rainwater adding to the existing bodies of water has resulted in an increase in their population as an increase in surface areas and water volume means more places for them to grow and breed. According to the experts, the stagnant water can be a potential risk, as the stillness of water gives way to the perfect environment for their survival and thriving.
Cultural Impact
The traditional fishing techniques of the local people in South China Sea are in danger due to the presence of this insect. This also affects the food sources of the local people and their traditional culture. In fact, it has even been seen that due to the diminishing number of traditional fish, some locals have switched to eating non-traditional seafood such as jellyfish, which can cost a considerable amount more.
Actions Taken
Local authorities in South China Sea were able to raise awareness about this insect, and for some time, succeeded in containing the situation in the region. After researching the area and conducting surveys of the affected areas, they developed a set of regulations and policies targeted directly towards this insect. One major policy that was mentioned was a 7 day containment period for all boats to prevent this bug from spreading to other regions.
Conclusion
The giant water bug in South China Sea continues to be a pressing problem as its population increases and as it roams along its inhabited areas. So far, the situation has been contained with the help of the local authorities and their proposed policies, yet still more effort and resources need to be dedicated in order to finally solve the situation. With further research and action, experts are hoping to resolve the issue with a safe and effective solution, before it’s too late.
