The Environment Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is looking to crack down on the import of exotic or alien species to Viet Nam in a bid to protect local ecosystems.

Under the plan drafted by the department on control of invasive species, non-native flora and fauna would have to undergo checks to ensure they are not harmful to native organisms, said Hoang Thi Thanh Nhan, head of the department's Genetic Preservation Division.

The move follows a boom in the import of foreign species such as red-ear turtles and red swamp shrimp that have harmed local ecosystems.

Last March, a firm in southern Can Tho City legally imported 24,000 red-eared turtles from America. It was later transpired that the company director did not know red-eared turtles were one of 100 most dangerous invasive species in the world.

By early October, the reptiles had been processed and frozen for human consumption domestically because the company was unable to re-export the animals and did not want to waste money.

Nhan said Viet Nam had yet to conduct a comprehensive study on invasive species in the country and their effects.

The department said it wanted to collect data on alien species in Viet Nam, verify their habitation and tighten inspection and control at the import stage.

Those who raise alien species would have to register the fact with relevant authorities such as the ministries of Natural Resources and Environment, and Agriculture and Rural Development.

They would also have to ensure the species were properly controlled and that they could not spread to the surrounding environment, said Le Thanh Binh, head of the Biodiversity Preservation Department.

"The programme focuses on preventive activities because Viet Nam has not been properly monitoring the introduction of alien species," Binh said.

Duong Minh Tu, from the Plant Protection Department, said there were not sufficient legal documents in place to properly control the introduction of non-indigenous plants and animals and little understanding of the harmful effects of introducing alien species on local ecosytems.

Chu Tien Vinh, the General Fisheries Office deputy head, said a list of banned invasive species should be compiled.

"People import foreign species for commercial purposes or just as exotic pets. Guidelines should be issued to help customs officials crack down on illegal imports," Vinh said.

Among invasive alien species that have been introduced to Viet Nam are mimosa pigra, a woody shrub; yellow snails; water hyacinth; beaver and red-eared turtles.