D2 Non-indigenous species
Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystems.
This Descriptor focuses on the assessment of the scale of the pressure and impacts of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) introduced as a result of human activities, in relation to the main vectors and pathways. New introductions of NIS and increases in the abundance and spatial distribution of established NIS should be prevented. It is recognized that there is only limited knowledge about the effects of the NIS on the marine ecosystem, which implies additional scientific and technical development focused on new potentially useful indicators. |
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© Fotolia, Author: Shakzu |
Non-indigenous species introduced by human activities are at levels that do not adversely alter the
ecosystems |
Criteria |
D2C1 – Primary:
The number of non-indigenous species
which are newly introduced via human
activity into the wild, per assessment period
(6 years), measured from the reference
year as reported for the initial asessment
under Article 8(1) of Directive
2008/56/EC, is minimised and where
possible reduced to zero.
Member States shall establish the threshold
value for the number of new introductions
of non-indigenous species,
through regional or subregional cooperation.
D2C2 – Secondary:
Abundance and spatial distribution of established
non-indigenous species, particularly
of invasive species, contributing significantly
to adverse effects on particular
species groups or broad habitat types. D2C3 – Secondary:
Proportion of the species group or spatial
extent of the broad habitat type which is
adversely altered due to non-indigenous
species, particularly invasive non-indigenous
species.
Member States shall establish the threshold
values for the adverse alteration to
species groups and broad habitat types
due to non-indigenous species, through
regional or subregional cooperation. |
The following definition of non-indigenous species (NIS) was proposed by TG2: "Non-indigenous species (NIS; synonyms: alien, exotic, non-native, allochthonous) are species, subspecies or lower taxa introduced outside of their natural range (past or present) and outside of their natural dispersal potential. This includes any part, gamete or propagule of such species that might survive and subsequently reproduce. Their presence in the given region is due to intentional or unintentional introduction resulting from human activities. Natural shifts in distribution ranges (e.g. due to climate change or dispersal by ocean currents) do not qualify a species as a NIS. However, secondary introductions of NIS from the area(s) of their first arrival could occur without human involvement due to spread by natural means." Invasive Alien Species (IAS), are defined by TG2 as "a subset of established NIS which have spread, are spreading or have demonstrated their potential to spread elsewhere, and have an adverse effect on biological diversity, ecosystem functioning, socio-economic values and/or human health in invaded regions". In addition, TG2 described the key terms ""levels that do not adversely alter the ecosystems" as the absence or minimal level of "biological pollution". Biological pollution is defined by TG2 as the impact of IAS at a level that disturbs environmental quality by effects on: an individual (internal biological pollution by parasites or pathogens), a population, a community, a habitat or an ecosystem.
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