How do invasive species get into the Mediterranean?

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New species on the move

Invasive species are animals or plants that do not originally occur in a specific area. In the Mediterranean, more and more such species have been observed in recent years.

 

Ways of spreading

An important way is international shipping. Organisms can be transported in ballast water or on ship hulls. The Suez Canal also allows species from the Red Sea access to the Mediterranean.

 

Impacts on ecosystems

Some invasive species can displace native animals and plants or alter the balance of an ecosystem. Research and monitoring help to detect new species early and better understand their impacts.