An Overview of Marine Non-Indigenous Species Found in Three Contrasting Biogeographic Metropolitan French Regions: Insights on Distribution, Origins and Pathways of Introduction

Biological invasions are one of the main global threats to biodiversity in terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems worldwide, requiring effective inventorying and monitoring programs. Here, we present an updated list of non-indigenous species in French marine and transitional waters. Focused on eukaryote pluricellular species found throughout the three metropolitan French marine regions (Western Mediterranean Sea, Bay of Biscay and the Northern Seas), a total of 342 non-indigenous, including 42 cryptogenic, species are listed as having been introduced since the 13th century. The majority of the species originated from the temperate Northern Pacific. They mainly arrived through both ballast and hull fouling and also are associated with shellfish farming activities. Most of them have been introduced since the 1970s, a time when maritime and aquaculture trade intensified. Despite important human-aided opportunities for species transfer between the three marine regions (for instance, via recreational boating or aquaculture transfers), only a third of these NIS are common to all regions, as expected due to their environmental specificities.

Keyword(s)

species introductions, inventory, biogeographic provinces, maritime trade, aquaculture, France, baseline, MSFD

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Massé Cécile, Viard Frédérique, Humbert Suzie, Antajan Elvire, Auby Isabelle, Bachelet Guy, Bernard Guillaume, Bouchet Vincent M.P., Burel Thomas, Dauvin Jean-Claude, Delegrange Alice, Derrien-Courtel Sandrine, Droual Gabin, Gouillieux Benoît, Goulletquer Philippe, Guérin Laurent, Janson Anne-Laure, Jourde Jérôme, Labrune Céline, Lavesque Nicolas, Leclerc Jean-Charles, Le Duff Michel, Le Garrec Vincent, Noël Pierre, Nowaczyk Antoine, Pergent-Martini Christine, Pezi Jean-Philippe, Raoux Aurore, Raybaud Virginie, Ruitton Sandrine, Sauriau Pierre-Guy, Spilmont Nicolas, Thibault Delphine, Vincent Dorothée, Curd Amelia (2023). An Overview of Marine Non-Indigenous Species Found in Three Contrasting Biogeographic Metropolitan French Regions: Insights on Distribution, Origins and Pathways of Introduction. Diversity-basel. 15 (2). 161 (24p.). https://doi.org/10.3390/d15020161, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00817/92899/

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