As time goes by, we seem to become more and more aware of our surroundings. We start to understand the world around us and our place in society, especially the link between us and nature. Nature holds a very fragile place in the world and must hold a balance with modern society. But what happens when this delicate balance is thrown off? Invasive species (as understood from its name) are invaders of nature. They can take over anything they are exposed to and are difficult to control. Even though controlling these species is difficult, it can be beneficial to introduce invasive species to a new area. Government agencies and businesses must take careful thought into whether or not to transfer an invasive species to another country. To make an educated decision they must consider the benefits that the species will bring, if the species can be controlled, and the risk that comes with introducing the invader to a new location.
Invasive species usually have a bad name attached to them. Their reputation is filled with negativity and is known to simply be unwanted. However, government agencies and businesses should consider all the benefits of introducing these species to new areas. With the aid of a new species in a controlled environment, the economy can take a turn for the better. Farming oceans is an up-and-coming trade that brings many benefits such as “food security and poverty alleviation” to countries around the world (Source C). These underwater farms- commonly known as Aquaculture- also create many new jobs that help developing countries. The underwater farmers offer “a wide range of options for diversification of avenues for enhanced food production and income generation in many rural and peri-urban areas” by farming many different species not common to the area. Though introducing new species to different locations can cause problems, the benefits should always be considered with an open mind.
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Control is the fragile barrier between success and chaos. And this barrier brings order to situations that would otherwise run themselves to destruction. Invasive species are particularly familiar with the destruction that comes from lack of control, and therefore the ability to control must be considered when transferring invasive species to new regions. Invasive species can be introduced intentionally or by accident. Either way, the species must be controlled before they cause catastrophic problems. When an invasive species is purposely introduced to a new region- even though the intentions may be good- the species itself can become a problem that affects many people and places. Dybas discusses the horrific effects caused by the accidental introduction of “SARS, a viral respiratory virus” to countries all over the world (Source B). She goes on to explain the many deaths that were caused by the virus and the extreme measures that had to be taken to try and control the invader. Once SARS became an uncontrolled pandemic, however, the virus spread like wildfire using “planes, trains, ships, and automobiles” (Source B). Most invasive species show traits much like SARS and can become a large problem if not properly controlled.
Taking a risk requires understanding the possible consequences and a leap of faith. Risks should not be confused with stupidity, because risks are always taken with a logical reason to obtain positive results. And by balancing the pros and cons of a situation, we can decide whether or not a risk is worth taking. Government agencies and businesses must also weigh their pros and cons to decide if introducing an invasive species to a new area is worth the risk. The positives are clear: employment opportunities, economic growth, decrease in food shortages. But what about the consequences? Ignorance of the risks of bringing in invasive species can lead to destruction as shown in Source A. The photo depicts a barren forest that instills a sense of loss and sadness, all because of an insect infestation. Even invasive species that seem to be a good idea come with consequences. Spotts discussed the cane toads becoming an invasive species in Australia even though “it seemed like a good idea at the time” (Source F). Toads that were originally supposed to battle beetles that attacked sugar-cane plants became invaders that spread throughout the entire continent, “munching on almost everything in sight” (Source F). If government agencies and businesses show no ignorance and are sure to understand the possible consequences, an educated decision can be made on whether or not to introduce an invasive species.
As humans, we like to be comfortable with the events that surround us. We like to know what is going on and have the power to control the outcome of a situation. Government agencies and businesses DO have to power to control whether or not to introduce an invasive species to a new area. And with this power, considerations must be made to make an educated decision. They must understand the benefits the species can bring to the new area, know how to control the species, and know of the consequences that come with introducing these species. And when all the considerations are made with a complete understanding of the invasive species, both ourselves and the world around us can benefit from the final decision.
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