Figure

Pathways of introduction of non-indigenous species to Europe’s seas, 1970-2020

Figure Created 05 Jan 2023 Published 24 Feb 2023 Last modified 24 Feb 2023

1 min read

Topics: Biodiversity — Ecosystems Water and marine environment

The pie chart shows the share of the different pathways of introduction of new non-indigenous species (NIS) to Europe's seas over the years 1970 to 2020. The category 'Other' includes several modes of introduction, namely 'Transport-stowaway: other', 'release in nature', 'escape from confinement', 'corridor' and 'unknown'. The stacked column chart shows the trend in the number of new NIS by pathway of introduction between 1970 and 2017, on a 6-year cycle. While introductions by Transport-Stowaway (ballast water, hull fouling and others) remain the prevalent mode, 'unaided' and 'escape from confinement' have grown in importance in the latest assessment cycles.

https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/pathways-of-introduction-of-non/fig2-129849-mar002-v4.eps/image_large

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Metadata

Methodology:: National inventories of NIS were revised and updated with published data from biodiversity and hot-spot campaigns, academic surveys, and citizen science observed until December 2020 (reported until June 2022). The revised list was validated with the contribution of national experts.
Microalgae and parasite/pathogen species identified are excluded.
Cryptogenic, questionable and range-expanding species identified are also excluded from all analysis.
Native, partly native species identified are excluded at EU level but included in sub-regional assessments for subregions where they have not been identified as native.
Units:: Percentage and number of new NIS
Rights:: EEA standard re-use policy: unless otherwise indicated, re-use of content on the EEA website for commercial or non-commercial purposes is permitted free of charge, provided that the source is acknowledged (https://www.eea.europa.eu/legal/copyright). Copyright holder: European Environment Agency (EEA).
Owners:: European Environment Agency (EEA)
Processors:: Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR)
Figure type:: Graph

Additional information

The pie chart shows the proportions of NIS introduced between 1970 and 2020 through various dispersal pathways.
The column chart shows the contribution of each pathway per 6-year interval since 1970. The 'Unknown' category is not included to highlight the modes of introduction that have been detected.

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Geographic coverage

Adriatic Sea Baltic Sea Bay of Biscay Black Sea Celtic Seas Central Mediterranean Sea Eastern Mediterranean Sea Greater North Sea Iberian Coast Macaronesia Western Mediterranean Sea