Invasion of Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) in the Yosocuta Dam, Oaxaca, Mexico: A Socioecological System Perspective

Abstract

A study was conducted on the socio-environmental problem of the invasion of the Yosocuta dam, in the state of Oaxaca, by water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.). The objective was to explore the problems associated with the invasion of this aquatic weed from a socio-ecological perspective, providing an exploratory approach to the ecological and social elements, as well as the interactions, associated with the species' invasion and its impacts. Documentary research techniques were combined with a survey of the local population to obtain information for describing and analyzing the socio-ecological system. The survey was administered to 129 people in San Francisco Yosocuta, and the questionnaire included questions about their knowledge and perceptions of the origin of the species' invasion, its use, and its ecological, economic, and health impacts. The spatial distribution and area occupied by Pistia stratiotes L. in the dam were also identified and quantified using high-resolution satellite images. Using data from the National Water Quality Measurement Network (RENAMECA), the contamination of the dam's water was assessed. It was found that 20% of the dam's water surface is covered by the invasive plant, impacting the availability of water for human consumption and affecting fishing and tourism activities.