Observadores del mar: Invasive Algae

Location: Spain

Topics include: Alien or Invasive Species; Seaweed

The entry of exotic algal species in the Mediterranean is increasing, a process that is worsening due to human activity. One example of this is Caulerpa cylindracea, one of the invasive species that has the greatest impact due to factors such as mechanical destruction of marine habitats and excess nutrients, among others. If you dive or snorkel you can expand the information we have about invasive algae. When you see a target species or one you have never seen before, take a photo to help identify it and send details about its environment. If you visit the same area, you will contribute to assessing the expansion of identified species.

Discover more

• Website

Observadores del mar: Alien fishes

Location: Spain

Topics include: Alien or Invasive Species; Fish

The arrival and establishment of a species from another region of the world can alter the ecology of local communities. In the Mediterranean, an important entry route for tropical fish is the Suez Canal. In 2000, the species Fistularia comersonii was found for the first time and it has now reached the Iberian coastline. If you dive or fish, you can detect the arrival and expansion of exotic species and contribute to their monitoring. Take photos of fish you do not recognise or any invasive species described, and report their abundance, location and other simple but relevant aspects.

Discover more

• Website

Mitten Crab Watch

Location: UK

Topics include: Crabs; Alien or Invasive Species

Chinese mitten crabs are officially listed as one of the World's 100 worst invasive species. They can cause damage to fishing gear and river banks, block intake screens, modify natural habitats and compete with native species. It is this economic and ecological damage that makes this crab such an unwelcome arrival. The full extent of these exotic pests in English and Welsh waters is currently unclear and a consortium of research institutes is requesting mitten crab sightings from members of the public, anglers and waterway workers, to clarify the distribution of this species.

Discover more

• Website

avvistAPP

Location: Italy

Topics include: Alien or Invasive Species; Jellies

avvistAPP è un’applicazione gratuita nata per aiutare i ricercatori a studiare una specie aliena nuova per l’Adriatico: la noce di mare Mnemiopsis leidyi (per saperne di più visita il sito https://www.inogs.it/it/content/noce-di-mare). Con avvistAPP puoi facilmente segnalare anche la presenza di meduse, delfini e tartarughe. Basta scattare una foto dell’animale e mandarcela tramite l’app. Se non riesci a fare la foto dell’animale visto, mandaci comunque la tua segnalazione spedendo una foto del luogo dell’avvistamento, ci sarai comunque di grande aiuto.

Discover more

• Website

Alien CSI Bioblitz

Location: Europe

Topics include: Alien or Invasive Species

There is no sign of saturation in accumulation of alien species (AS) introductions worldwide, while the rate of spread for some AS seems to be increasing. Particular attention must be dedicated to Invasive Alien Species (IAS), i.e., AS that harm biodiversity and ecosystem services, or have a negative impact on the economy or human health. Managing biological invasions depends on accurate, detailed and up-to-date information on occurrences, distribution, pathways and impact of IAS at varying spatial scales across Europe and indeed globally. The challenges of gathering information on AS are recognized, but recent developments in citizen science, that is, the involvement of citizens in data collection or analysis for research projects, provide an opportunity to improve data flow and knowledge on AS. Further, it ensures effective and high quality societal engagement with the issue of IAS.

Discover more

• Website