An important study by the University of Pisa, published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin magazine, reveals the discovery of 42 alien species in the ports of Olbia, Livorno and Bastia.
These are mainly crustaceans, polychaete worms, molluscs and other invertebrates.
"Bioinvasions - explains Alberto Castelli, full professor of the biology department in Pisa - currently represent one of the main ecological problems affecting marine ecosystems, especially in the Mediterranean. The study of port environments is therefore of particular interest precisely because they are areas particularly susceptible to bioinvasions where alien species, voluntarily or accidentally introduced by man, constitute a risk for local biodiversity ".
In their study, the researchers used “fouling”, the set of organisms that live on submerged artificial substrates such as docks or keels of boats. Contrary to what was previously thought, the tourist area of the large ports revealed a greater presence of alien species than the commercial one, which is directly affected by international maritime traffic.
"The study of 'fouling' - specifies Jonathan Tempesti, PhD student of the biology department - is of particular importance in order to understand the identity of the invaders, their introduction mechanisms and their effects on invaded environments, in particular on original biodiversity. Furthermore, the identification of the areas of the ports that are most vulnerable, and of the related environmental and anthropogenic factors, are of fundamental importance for the development of effective monitoring and prevention plans ".
(Unioneonline / ss)