Screening of EASIN database for identification of invasive species introduced by Transport-stowaway

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. They can be introduced into the marine environment via various vectors. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) classifies the pathways for the introduction of species into the environment as Transport –Stowaway, Escape from confinement, Release in nature, Transport –Contaminant and Corridor . The Mediterranean Sea is one of the busiest sea routes. The European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN) provides information on introduced species in different areas and regions of the EU with the aim of preventing and minimizing their impact on biodiversity. The aim of this paper was to identify species introduced to the Mediterranean by Transport-stowaway: Shipboat ballast water from vessels recorded in the EASIN databases. The search carried out revealed that 39 species were classified as harmful and alien, some of which are of concern to EU Member States, but none of which are of concern to the EU.