What is a no-indigenous species
A non-indigenous species is species that, for various reasons, finds itself in a new geographical area, outside its natural range.
The globalization of trade explains the spreading acceleration of non-indigenous species.
The development of navigation, maritime transport, ports, professional fishing, and climate change contribute to the movement and establishment of these species.
Non-indigenous species in the mediterranean
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the first victims of this phenomenon. Through the Suez Canal or the Strait of Gibraltar, maritime traffic, aquaculture, the trade of aquarium species, or recreational boating, numerous marine organisms are introduced into the Mediterranean. Climate change and the absence of natural predators greatly increase their establishment success, and they can then become invasive. The ecological and human consequences are numerous, and it is therefore essential to monitor the movement of these non-indigenous species to manage and protect Mediterranean marine ecosystems.
What are their impacts on ecosystems and humans?
The presence of non-indigenous species, when they become invasive, causes significant ecological disruptions and can be detrimental to native biodiversity. This manifests in habitat degradation, intense predation pressure, or strong competition with native species for habitat or resources. This ecosystem imbalance also has direct repercussions for humans, compromising essential ecosystem services such as fishing. In addition to these unfavorable socio-economic impacts, some of these species can also be venomous or toxic to humans, highlighting the need for increased vigilance when encountering them.
QWhich species might be seen in the Ramoge area?
Non-indigenous species are gradually spreading in the Mediterranean, initially establishing in their introduction area before potentially spreading throughout the Mediterranean. If a given species has not yet been observed in the RAMOGE area, it is possible that it may happen in the near or distant future. It is therefore crucial to remain vigilant regarding the presence of these species. Monitoring observations over the years contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics of the spread, establishment, and invasion of these species. Descriptive sheets have been established for some non-indigenous species observed in the Mediterranean, some of which have already been spotted in the RAMOGE area and others that have not yet reached this territory.
Find the booklet containing the descriptive sheets of a selection of 13 non-indigenous species, produced by the RAMOGE Agreement in 2024, as well as the individual species sheets (documents available in French and Italian).
Citizen science
Whether you are a fisherman, diver, tourist, or snorkeler, your observations are valuable! If you think you have spotted a non-indigenous species, share your information. Find all the information on citizen science on this page.
