Non-indigenous species likely introduced by shipping into the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

By the intensification of maritime traffic, shipping could become one of the most likely pathways of introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) in the Adriatic Sea. In this paper we provided an updated list of NIS introduced into Adriatic Sea by shipping as pathway, the most likely vectors of introduction, country of first detection, year, origin, establishing success and invasive characteristics. In total, 127 NIS were identified as the most probably introduced by maritime shipping into the Adriatic Sea. Rhodophyta, Arthropoda and Annelida represents almost 50% of all the listed species. The highest number of NIS introduced likely by shipping has been identified for period from 2001 to 2010 year. More than 73% of NIS listed for the first time in the Adriatic Sea were recorded in Italy. Half of listed NIS (50%) were probably introduced by external ship’s vector i.e. boat hull fouling (BHF). Majority of these species were classified as established. Screening of the potential risk of NIS being invasive in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea has not been done systematically, and for the most of NIS has never been performed. Increased number of sailing, motor recreational boats and cruise ships, lack on solutions for biofouling suppression and lack on regulations for anchoring may intensify NIS introductions by shipping as the most probable pathway into Adriatic Sea. That could become serious threat for native biodiversity and natural heritage, and it needs to be taken seriously by all relevant organisations and stakeholders.