Action Plan concerning Species Introductions and Invasive Species in the Mediterranean Sea

From building capacity to managing pathways and impacts

The 2017 plan focused on capacity, legislation, baseline studies, monitoring and data sharing, goals the plan reports as largely achieved. The updated plan moves on to concrete management of pathways and a sharp reduction of invasive populations and their impacts, in line with Target 6 of the global biodiversity framework, Target 1.2 of the Post-2020 SAPBIO and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Shipping vectors are handled by the Ballast Water Management Strategy (2022–2027); this plan covers the other pathways and the impacts of priority invasive species.

Source: 2023 Mediterranean Quality Status Report (MED QSR).

One main objective, two operational axes

Who focuses on what

The plan splits its priorities between the countries and the regional level. Countries are asked to fill the data and knowledge gaps that impact assessments, horizon scanning and management depend on; the region builds the common methods, criteria and tools.

From a long list to the species, sites and pathways to manage

From the first sighting to a rapid response

The plan asks countries to set up reporting mechanisms among the people most likely to notice a new species first, to link them to a regional early-warning system within MAMIAS, and to cooperate with neighbouring states on new detections.

What the plan asks for, at each level

Section 4 of the plan sets out 20 measures for the countries, under six headings, and 13 for the regional level, under four. National measures build the evidence and the rules; regional measures supply the shared methods, protocols and training that make national work comparable across the Mediterranean.

Countries implement, SPA/RAC coordinates

Tools for putting the plan into practice

UNEP/MAP-SPA/RAC · 2024

Guide for Risk Analysis Assessing the Impacts of the Introduction of Non-Indigenous Species

By Marika Galanidi · 26 pp. + annex · ISBN 978-9938-79-371-0

Risk analysis is a standard way of judging how likely an introduction is to cause harm and how serious that harm would be, so that limited resources go where they matter most. The guide sets out the five stages of a risk analysis for non-indigenous species and reviews the protocols currently used in the Mediterranean and in Europe, at both species and pathway level.

• Endpoint and hazard identification
• Risk assessment, management and communication
• Species-based risk assessment and minimum standards
• Horizon scanning and prioritisation
• Pathway-based risk assessment

Answers the Action Plan's call for an updated guide for risk analysis of NIS impacts (timetable item 5).

Download the guide PDF · 1.3 MB

UNEP/MAP-SPA/RAC · 2024

Guidelines for Controlling the Vectors of Introduction into the Mediterranean of Non-Indigenous Species and Invasive Marine Species

By Marika Galanidi · 25 pp. · ISBN 978-9938-79-369-7

At sea, eradication and long-term control are rarely possible, so prevention at the level of vectors and pathways is the main line of defence. The guidelines review the rules and best practice for the three vectors that matter most after the Suez corridor, and recommend priority actions for countries and for the region.

• Ballast water: the IMO BWM Convention and the Mediterranean BWM Strategy
• Hull fouling: IMO guidelines, the European code for recreational boating, national rules
• Aquaculture: prevention, eradication and control
• Recommended actions at national and regional level

Supports the Action Plan's best-practice guidelines for sectors that act as vectors (timetable item 4).

Download the guidelines PDF · 0.9 MB