Invasive Alien Species are one of the greatest threats to both terrestrial and marine biodiversity worldwide. Within the scope of the Marine Invasive Alien Species (MarIAS) project, efforts are being made to combat invasive species in 4 important biodiversity areas of our country’s seas. The long-term goal of the project is to minimize the negative impacts of invasive alien species in order to support Turkey’s globally important local marine biodiversity.
Nature Research Society prepares management plans for the following 4 priority areas within the project:
1- Igneada Longoz Forests National Park (Sea Part) (Black Sea)
2- Ayvalık Islands Nature Park (Aegean Sea)
3- Marmara Islands (Marmara Sea)
4- Hatay-Samandağ Seal Habitat and Sea Turtle Nesting and Spawning Area (Mediterranean)
Within the study areas, priority species were determined in terms of control. These species are Rapa Whelk (Rapana venosa), Sea buckthorn (Caulerpa cylindracea), Atlantic Sea Star (Asterias rubens), Spotted Pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), Lionfish (Pterois miles), Longthorn Sea Urchin (Diadema cetosum) and Water Hyacinth. (Eichhornia crassipes). The relationship of these species with native species and habitat is examined and activities are developed for effective control.
The Project for the Assessment of Threats of Invasive Alien Species in Important Marine Biodiversity Areas is carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
For detailed information about the project, you can visit the istilacilar.org website.