Monitoring Invasive Alien Species in Italian Waters: A Sustainable Development Perspective

The ongoing campaign initiated in 2022 addresses the increasing reports and captures of invasive alien species in Italian marine environments, notably the lionfish. This effort aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, by promoting the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Data Collection and Integration

Recent data collected from divers and fishermen have been visualized through new distribution maps and compared with predictive models from previous studies. These observations have been incorporated into the ORMEF portal dataset, establishing the most comprehensive and up-to-date database on Pterois miles presence in the Mediterranean Sea. This initiative supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by leveraging innovative data management systems for environmental monitoring.

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

1. Role of Sea Professionals: Divers and fishermen play a crucial role in monitoring alien species, as emphasized by Manuela Falautano, ISPRA researcher and national coordinator of the campaign.
2. Public Awareness: There is a need to broaden the involvement of sea professionals and enhance public communication regarding potentially dangerous species, ensuring awareness without causing undue alarm.

These actions contribute to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering collaboration among researchers, professionals, and the public.

Geographical Focus and Predictive Modeling

• Most new sightings are concentrated in the Ionian Sea and the southern Adriatic, areas identified as high-risk zones for tropical species invasions due to climate conditions.
• Predictive models have proven reliable in forecasting invasion risks, underscoring the urgency for effective monitoring and management strategies.

This focus supports SDG 13: Climate Action, by addressing the impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity.

Identification of Four Key Invasive Alien Species

1. Lionfish (Pterois miles)
   • Introduced via the Suez Canal, first reported in Italy in 2016.
   • One of the world’s most invasive species with significant ecological impact.
   • Edible but possesses spines that can cause painful stings lasting up to 48 hours post-mortem.
2. Silver-cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus)
   • Entered through the Suez Canal, first reported in 2013.
   • Characterized by dark spots on a grey-silver back.
   • Contains a highly toxic neurotoxin, dangerous even after cooking.
   • Equipped with powerful teeth capable of inflicting serious bites.
3. Dusky Spinefoot (Siganus luridus) and Marbled Spinefoot (Siganus rivulatus)
   • Herbivorous invasive species first reported in Italy in 2003 and 2015, respectively.
   • Both are edible but have spines that can cause painful stings even after death.

Supporting Resources

• Informative Brochure
• Official Press Release

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on invasive alien marine species in Italian waters, their monitoring, and management, directly relating to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Although primarily marine-focused, the issue of invasive species also relates to biodiversity protection and ecosystem health, which is a broader concern under SDG 15.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article mentions climate conditions influencing the risk of tropical species invasions, linking the issue to climate change impacts and the need for adaptive strategies.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The campaign involves collaboration between researchers, fishermen, divers, and public communication efforts, reflecting partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagement.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including through invasive species control.
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification and other environmental changes affecting marine life.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.8: Prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of Reports and Captures of Alien Species
   • The article highlights the increasing number of reports and captures of invasive species by divers and fishermen, which can serve as an indicator of monitoring effectiveness and species spread.
2. Distribution Maps and Predictive Models
   • Use of updated distribution maps and predictive models to track the presence and spread of Pterois miles (lionfish) and other species provides measurable data on invasion patterns.
3. Integration into ORMEF Portal Dataset
   • The ORMEF portal dataset represents a centralized database for tracking invasive species presence, which can be used to measure progress in data collection and management.
4. Engagement of Stakeholders
   • The involvement of fishermen, divers, and researchers in monitoring efforts can be quantified as an indicator of partnership and community engagement.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: isprambiente.gov.it