Pathways of non-indigenous species introductions in European Seas after 1949

Notes:
The figure shows the percentage of NIS introductions associated with each pathway in European Seas after 1949.

Transport stowaway: moving of live organisms by maritime transport via various vectors: ballast water and sediments (T-S/BALLAST WATER), bio-fouling of ships, boats, offshore oil and gas platforms and other water vessels (T-S/HULL FOULING) and dredging, angling or fishing equipment ( T-S/OTHER).

Release in nature: intentional introduction of live alien organisms (e.g. for fishing or hunting in the wild).
Escape from confinement: movement of (potentially) invasive alien species from confinement (e.g. aquaculture).
Transport contaminant: unintentional movement of live organisms as (e.g. pests, through international trade).
Corridor: movement of alien organisms via transport infrastructure (e.g. canals).