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marine and coastal biota (www.biodiv.org). Marine invasions are recognized as
imperilling global ‘‘biodiversity, marine industries (including fishing and tourism) and
human health’’ (Bax et al., 2003).
The Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity called
upon governments to act ‘to prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those
alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species’ (CBD 1992, Article 8h),
but preventing alien species introductions is a task which needs scientific,
administrative and political coordination at the regional, if not international, level.
The results thus far have been disappointing. The International Maritime
Organization (IMO) and the shipping industry have concentrated their attention on
ways to provide a uniform international instrument to regulate ballast water
management, since ballast-mediated bio invasions have caused significant economic
and environmental losses. The International Convention on the Control and
Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments, a potentially significant
environmental achievement, was adopted by a Diplomatic Conference in 2004. To
enter into force the convention should be ratified by 30 States, representing 35% of
world merchant shipping tonnage (www.IMO.org).
The past decade saw rapid growth in mariculture in the Mediterranean.
However, the Mediterranean countries have not developed the comprehensive legal
and institutional systems that are capable of responding effectively to the
introduction of alien species for use in mariculture. Though legislation on
introduction and transfers of alien species exists in some countries, in practice the
administrative measures to control the deliberate importation of alien and limit their
dispersal are still rudimentary and an effective policy of prevention is hardly
enforced (Occhipinti-Ambrogi, 2002). Key industry groups, governmental bodies, and
even local environmental groups have a poor appreciation of the magnitude of the
problem. As a consequence, too often, responses are insufficient, late and
ineffective.
The Aquaculture Regulation -Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 of 11 June
2007- concerning use of aliens and locally absent species in aquaculture - established
a framework with which to assess and minimize the possible impacts of aliens and
locally absent species used in aquaculture, including procedures for risk assessment,
to ensure adequate protection of aquatic habitats from non-native species.
However, since 2008 the whole European shellfish aquaculture is affected by severe
and repetitive oyster mortalities and massive imports of non-European livestock are
again being considered as a solution for the crisis, despite the risks of accidental NIS
introduction associated with these imports. (Zenetos et al., 2012).
The peri-Mediterranean countries possess a valuable instrument were they
ready to tackle marine bioinvasions. The Barcelona Convention (1976) and its
relevant protocols, initially aimed at reducing pollution, has been updated with the
adoption of new protocols. The Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas (SPA),
that had been adopted in 1982 and came into force in 1986, prohibits ‘the
introduction of exotic species’ (Article 7e). In 2003 the Mediterranean Action Plan
(MAP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), drafted an ‘Action Plan
concerning species introductions and invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea’
(UNEP(DEC)MED WG.232/6). In 2005, the Regional Activity Centre for Specially
Protected Areas (RAC/SPA) convened a meeting of scientists to identify the most