The meticulous revision by taxonomic experts of established alien species in the Mediterranean resultedin a major revision of the list proposed by Galil et al. (2016), with 73 species to be excluded (35 speciescategorised as non-established and 37 as not true aliens), and 72 species added to the list. Consequently,by year 2016 the total number of established alien species in the Mediterranean reached 613, which is a28% increase over the preceding four years. If we also consider casual species (208 species), the totalnumber of alien species in the Mediterranean is 821. This is attributed to: new findings, change inestablishment status of species previously known on the basis of few and scattered records, and results ofphylogenetic studies in some cosmopolitan species. However, the true number of alien species reportedhere is considered to be an underestimation, as it does not include phytoplanktonic organisms, Foraminifera,cryptogenic and species known on the basis of questionable records that might turn out to betrue aliens. EASIN and INVASIVESNET can play a major role in the future revision/update of the presentlist, which currently serves for assessing indicators that are necessary for policy, and for management ofalien species in the Mediterranean Sea. An increasing trend in new arrivals since 1950, which culminatedin the 2001e2010 period, appeared to decline after 2010. Whether this negative trend is an indication ofimprovement, or is an artefact, remains to be seen. The current list provides a reliable updated databasefrom which to continue monitoring the arrival and spread of invasive species in the Mediterranean, aswell as to provide counsel to governmental agencies with respect to management and control. Currentgeographical, taxonomical and impact data gaps can be reduced only by instituting harmonised standardsand methodologies for monitoring alien populations in all countries bordering the MediterraneanSea.

Uncertainties and validation of alien species catalogues: the Mediterranean as an example

ROSSO, Maria Antonietta;
2017-01-01

Abstract

The meticulous revision by taxonomic experts of established alien species in the Mediterranean resultedin a major revision of the list proposed by Galil et al. (2016), with 73 species to be excluded (35 speciescategorised as non-established and 37 as not true aliens), and 72 species added to the list. Consequently,by year 2016 the total number of established alien species in the Mediterranean reached 613, which is a28% increase over the preceding four years. If we also consider casual species (208 species), the totalnumber of alien species in the Mediterranean is 821. This is attributed to: new findings, change inestablishment status of species previously known on the basis of few and scattered records, and results ofphylogenetic studies in some cosmopolitan species. However, the true number of alien species reportedhere is considered to be an underestimation, as it does not include phytoplanktonic organisms, Foraminifera,cryptogenic and species known on the basis of questionable records that might turn out to betrue aliens. EASIN and INVASIVESNET can play a major role in the future revision/update of the presentlist, which currently serves for assessing indicators that are necessary for policy, and for management ofalien species in the Mediterranean Sea. An increasing trend in new arrivals since 1950, which culminatedin the 2001e2010 period, appeared to decline after 2010. Whether this negative trend is an indication ofimprovement, or is an artefact, remains to be seen. The current list provides a reliable updated databasefrom which to continue monitoring the arrival and spread of invasive species in the Mediterranean, aswell as to provide counsel to governmental agencies with respect to management and control. Currentgeographical, taxonomical and impact data gaps can be reduced only by instituting harmonised standardsand methodologies for monitoring alien populations in all countries bordering the MediterraneanSea.
2017
Alien species; Check list; Mediterranean; Taxonomists
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/43702
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