Page 6 - Balistreri_Mannino_2017

110 Paolo Balistreri &Anna Maria Mannino
(Antolic et al., 2008; Klein & Verlaque, 2008; Bal-
dacconi & Corriero, 2009; Holmer et al., 2009;
Zuljevic et al., 201 1) and directly affect reproduction
of demersal species (Felline et al., 2012).
Since areas located at the crossroads between
the eastern and western sectors of the Mediter-
ranean, like Sicily and the circum-Sicilian Islands, are
more vulnerable to biological marine invasions, reg-
ular monitoring programs, including public aware-
ness campaigns (e.g. the project entitled “Progetto
Caulerpa cylindracea - Egadi” sponsored by the
Department of Biological Chemical and Pharma-
ceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of
Palermo and the Egadi Islands MPA and available
at http://www.ampisoleegadi.it/progetto_caulerpa_
cylindracea_egadi.html), regular surveys and map-
ping by scientists, are strongly needed to assess the
spread dynamics of invasive species not only within
the protected areas (i.e. MPAs and Natural Re-
serves), but also in their surroundings in order to
reduce continuous spillover effects (see also Otero
et al., 2013). In the MPAs, high rates of visitation
could promote the introduction of invasive species
through increased disturbance and vectors (e.g.,
boat anchors, SCUBA equipment, bilge water, hull
fouling) and subsequent dispersal of propagules
(Minchinton & Bertness, 2003; West et al., 2007;
Britton-Simmons & Abbott, 2008; Burfeind et al.,
2013), therefore an Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
strategy integrated into the management plan of the
Egadi Islands MPA may be highly desirable.
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