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Description
There is currently no universal framework to assess the environmental effects of alien species on the recipient ecosystems as well as the spatial extent of such impacts. This project will investigate ways to control the spread of invasive species in the marine environment and increase the resilience of ecosystems to climate change, make recommendations for sustainable thematic solutions and develop methodologies for future actions. In addition to the above, dissemination of knowledge on alien species and climate change impacts, and training of stakeholder groups on identification of impacts and implementation of mitigation measures will be an important part of the project.
Tasks
1) The climate change theme will focus on the assessment of the distribution of marine habitats of high CO2 sequestration value, the distribution of communities of higher plants (seagrass and other higher plants) and their CO2 sequestration potential in the Estonian marine waters
2) The alien species theme assesses individual and combined impacts of alien species on the abiotic and biotic environments and ecosystem services
3) We model the spatial distribution potential of alien species and assess the spatial impacts of these invasive species in the context of current environmental conditions, future climate scenarios and other key pressures
4) The project will be developing an eDNA method for biological monitoring in ports, allowing rapid and early detection of novel and potentially high impact alien species in key risk areas
5) We develop the frameworks of the assessment of impacts of invasive alien species and risk analysis based on the needs arising from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Ballast Water Convention
Target groups: Public authorities involved in environmental protection, Universities, Conservation specialists, Protected species and habitats, Officials and staff of governmental and other public authorities, Developers of training courses and methodologies