Exotic species in the Mediterranean Sea. Research Marine Centre in Santa Pola

Exotic species in the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea is a sea of highly vulnerable to biological invasions, because of different reasons. Its geographical location makes possible the entry of tropical Atlantic species in a natural way by the Strait of Gibraltar; as well as species of the Red Sea (lesepsian) by the Suez Canal. On the other hand, suffers intense maritime traffic of ships from anywhere in the world (20% of world traffic), which can act as vectors for transmission of new species, both planktonic in ballast as benthic water, associated with the hull of the boat; the growing industry of marine cultivation that exotics can transfer to natural habitats; and elsewhere, less well known, by the release of species from aquariums and marine baits (both exotic polychaetes and algae that serve them humidifying). .

There is a growing problem in the Mediterranean Sea due to the introduction of exotic species (Zibrowius, 1992;) Galil, 2000, Zenetos et al., 2005; Streftaris et al., 2005). Besides the routes listed above, the effect of Global climate change is increasing a tropicalization of the Mediterranean, which further facilitates the invasion of new species of warm affinities.

CIMAR is tracking alien species that appeared in the Mediterranean. (See attached sheets)

Exotic species Alicante

Exotic fish

If you find any of them, enter the following data: Observer, location (geographic coordinates, if available), date, depth, method of fishing. Other observations: length, weight.

KEEP THE SPECIMEN IN THE FREEZER AND NOTIFY THE CIMAR.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP