Monitoring Non-Indigenous Species in Port Habitats in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea

Põldma, M; Põllumäe, A., Jaanus, A., Kotta, I., Reisalu, G., Taevere, T., and Teeveer, K., 2024. Monitoring non-indigenous species in port habitats in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 392-395. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Role of commercial harbours and recreational marinas in the spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) has been increased globally. Harbour monitoring is important to assess NIS introduction and spread. The 1-year survey (2022) for species composition, abundance and biomass of mobile epifauna and fish, fouling organisms, benthic infauna, and plankton was conducted in 10 different sites in three harbours of southern Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea): Tallinn's Old City Harbour, Paldiski South Harbour and Muuga Harbour. The study was carried out in accordance with the HELCOM and OSPAR port survey protocol. A total of 70 taxa were identified, including 9 NIS. In comparison with previous surveys, one new NIS arrival was observed: cumacean Nippoleucon hinumensis.