Capstone project : mapping marine alien and newcomer species in the Maltese islands

Abstract

Marine invasive species are considered a concern for the EU due to the negative impacts they cause: costing millions by affecting fisheries, recreation, commerce, and human health. Several policies have resulted from this concern, which include setting up an early warning system that can detect alien species as they enter the Union. This work focused on mapping alien and newcomer species already present in the Maltese Islands using GIS methods implemented in ArcMap 10.4. Malta, located in the Sicily Channel, is ideally situated to monitor species coming into the Mediterranean Sea from the east, through the Suez Canal, and from the west, from the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar. Many large vessels come to Malta from all over the world, primarily through cruise ship tourism and cargo transport. Malta, therefore, can act as a central location from where to monitor the introduction of species to the Mediterranean from multiple directions and vectors. GIS techniques were used to determine where these alien species are concentrated. This knowledge is key to informing efforts to monitor for further invasions. I also investigated what species are currently threatening the Marine Protected Areas of Malta. This was done through a detailed examination of the Maltese MPA’s and the invasive species that have been recorded within them. This project therefore serves as a baseline distribution of invasive species in Malta, which environmental managers can use to coordinate monitoring efforts and the mitigation of impacts.