Legislators here are weighing a ban on exotic fish species, disturbed by the environmental impacts that a popular variety of farmed fish—tilapia—is having on Lake Nicaragua. The exotic-species initiative is part of a push in Central America’s largest and least populous country to clean up its lakes, thereby safeguarding ecotourism and water supplies. The government is trying to deliver on Nicaragua’s new water law. The legislation, which took effect late last year, also calls for creation of a National Water Authority and declares all waterways public domain. Lake Nicaragua, also known by its pre-colonial name Lake Cocibolca, is Central America’s largest lake and a unique ecosystem that is home to freshwater bull sharks and volcanic islands. As shoreline communities that traditionally... [Log in to read more]