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BIODIVERSITY 5

Figure 5. Asparagopsis taxiformis (a), A. armata (b), Aplysia dactylomela (c) and Branchiomma bairdi (d).

to manage continuous spillover effects (see also Otero plan, considering the creation of permanent observatories
et al. 2013). Indeed, this area, due to its crucial position to early detect new introductions and to assess NIS spread
within the Mediterranean Sea, could be an important dynamics, the main pathways and the vectors of introduc-
transboundary station for monitoring the entry and tion, may be highly desirable.
spread of marine alien species, as solicited in Azzurro
et al. (2014).
Therefore, MPAs can play a crucial role in the strug- Disclosure statement
gle against invasions, by improving IAS management, No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
monitoring the spread dynamics, raising awareness and
concern of citizens of biological invasions through infor-
mation but also through their involvement in activities References
related to the monitoring of IAS, which may help to avoid Alongi, G., M. Cormaci, G. Furnari, and G. Giaccone. 1993.
or limit the introduction of NIS and control the spread of “Prima Segnalazione di Caulerpa racemosa (Chlorophyceae,
existing ones (e.g. see Monaco and Genovesi 2014). Caulerpales) per le Coste Italiane.” Bollettino Accademia
Gioenia Scienze Naturali Catania 26 (342): 9–53.
Citizen science activities, as also highlighted by the Alós, J., F. Tomas, J. Terrados, H. Verbruggen, and E.
results of this project, could significantly improve the Ballesteros. 2016. “Fast-Spreading Green Beds of Recently
efficacy of monitoring and surveillance plans. Moreover, Introduced Halimeda incrassata Invade Mallorca Island
data collected with the help of citizens may contribute to (NW Mediterranean Sea).” Marine Ecology Progress Series
558: 153–158.
develop suitable management programs within the MPA Ardura, A., F. Juanes, S. Planes, and E. Garcia-Vazquez. 2016.
such as a) the regulation of the activities (e.g. anchorage, “Rate of Biological Invasions is Lower in Coastal Marine
mooring, diving and maritime traffic), b) the promotion Protected Areas.” Scientific Report 6: 33013. doi:10.1038/
of public awareness campaigns and training on the biolog- srep33013.
ical invasions phenomenon and c) the planning of regular Azzurro, E., J. Ben Souissi, W. Boughedir, L. Castriota, A.
monitoring programs. Deidun, M. Falautano, R. Ghanem, M. Zammit-Mangion,
In spite of their fundamental role in conservation of and F. Andaloro. 2014. “The Sicily Strait: a Transnational
Observatory for Monitoring the Advance of Non Indigenous
marine biodiversity, MPAs have been widely demon- Species.” Biologia Marina Mediterranea 21: 105–106.
strated to be ineffective in stopping local introductions. Balistreri, P., A. Spiga, A. Deidun, S. Km Gueroun, and M.
Therefore, an IAS strategy integrated into the management N. D. Yahia. 2017. “Further Spread of the Venomous