The INVASIONS project is structured around five key scientific and communication objectives, with the aim of systematically advancing knowledge regarding the management of marine biological invasions:
Objective 1: Assessing the state-of-the-art of marine NIS monitoring in EU and Mediterranean countries
- Focus: Review of existing projects, initiatives and literature on marine NIS monitoring in EU and Mediterranean countries
- Action: Compilation of a catalogue of applied monitoring methods used in ports and marinas, and a comparative assessment of strengths, weaknesses and key features of existing approaches
- Quantification/Deliverables: Creation of an online registry of current monitoring methods on the project’s website and publication of a related scientific paper.
Objective 2: Create a database for the NIS observed in the Ionian Sea, as a main tool for monitoring NIS
- Focus: Clarifying the current status of marine invasive species in the Ionian Sea.
- Action: Compilation and harmonisation of existing and newly acquired data on marine NIS and mapping of current distribution & introduction pathways through literature review and local knowledge
- Quantification/Deliverables: Development of an NIS database fully compliant with FAIR principles (which will also include a watch list for potential new invaders) and integration of the data into global biodiversity infrastructures.
Objective 3: Development of monitoring protocol to assess NIS biodiversity in ports and marinas
- Focus: Implementation of systematic and standardized field sampling.
- Action: Organization of a port monitoring campaign for systematic NIS sampling in ports and marina, identification of all samples through morphological taxonomy, while collecting additional biological material and images for downstream objectives and, application and comparison of standard monitoring methodologies (e.g. SERC), assessing advantages and challenges to inform protocol refinement and future guidelines.
- Quantification/Deliverables: Deployment and morphological analysis of 48 fouling collectors.
Objective 4: Leveraging contemporary metabarcoding techniques for early detection of NIS
- Focus: Evaluating the effectiveness of modern genetic tools in early diagnosis and population connectivity.
- Action: Applying DNA and eDNA metabarcoding to evaluate their effectiveness for early detection of marine NIS in the Ionian Sea. We will assess the potential of metabarcoding as a complement or partial alternative to conventional morphological taxonomy for NIS monitoring, while investigating the connectivity patterns of NIS populations among ports and marinas.
- Quantification/Deliverables: Metabarcoding analysis of 24 fouling samples and 20 water samples.
Objective 5: Raising awareness about the significance of early detection and monitoring of NIS introductions in ports and marinas
- Focus: Ensuring that the project’s results are translated into concrete management actions and that the public is informed.
- Action: Implementing a focused dissemination strategy to support early detection of NIS, actively engaging stakeholders and managers through targeted communication and training and, promoting a standardized and user-friendly monitoring protocol for future applications.
- Quantification/Deliverables: Communication management plan, scientific publications/data papers, meetings with stakeholders, and organization of a final open workshop.
