mariner-logo

RESOURCE

Description of the Resource

Title
Pathways of introduction of marine alien species in Europe and the Mediterranean – a possible undermined role of marine litter
Title (original)
Pathways of introduction of marine alien species in Europe and the Mediterranean – a possible undermined role of marine litter
Description
The current knowledge on the pathways of introduction of alien marine species in Europe was reviewed, focusing specifically in the Mediterranean, and the potential role of floating marine litter as a primary or secondary pathway was investigated. The trend of new introductions of alien species in Europe, and in the Mediterranean Sea in particular, has been increasing, reaching ~200 new species introductions per decade. Shipping and corridors are the most important pathways in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea (shipping is the most important overall in Europe but the Suez Canal is the most important in the Mediterranean). The impact of floating marine litter on biological invasions is difficult to measure and compare with other sources such as shipping or transportation on natural motile hosts. However, the availability of floating litter, mostly plastics, has become huge, offering substantial rafting opportunities for encrusting fauna and flora. We found that 81% of the species having been reported to be introduced in the Mediterranean Sea by a different pathway, might have been introduced by marine litter or could use litter for further expanding their range.
Authors
KATSANEVAKIS STYLIANOS MARIOS; CROCETTA FABIO
Publication year
2014
Resource type
Scientific publication
Language
English
Areas of knowledge
Waste prevention & management from fishing, aquaculture and ports
Monitoring of marine litter
Number of links to resource
2

Links to resource (2)

Related Organisations (1)