Arctic Station Dirigibile Italia

Knocking on Arctic Door – Svalbard’s NIMS and door knocker fish species in the marine coastal waters (VECNA)

Call year: 2023 Status: active IADC_id: 280

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Recently, in Norwegian waters there were recorded several Non-Indigenous Marine Species (NIMS) (Lassuy and Lewis, 2013). For fish, so far there are only two established species relevant for marine ecosystems (Pink salmon, Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and Rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss), however there are several door knockers (defined as alien species which has not yet established in an area but is likely to do so within 50 years) which deserves attention. Most NIMS are associated with severe impact and can cause large ecological and economic consequences in their new environments. Monitoring their arrival is essential for mitigating potential negative consequences, because it’s generally known that early detection and rapid response are important in fighting alien species. rnDue to the increase of temperature of the Arctic water, more NIMS are expected to enter the region of Svalbard.rnThe aim of this project is to detect the presence of NIMS and door knocker species in marine coastal waters of Svalbard by using a traditional fishing system (fyke nets) and complementary multi-approach monitoring techniques (underwater cameras, hydrophones and an eDNA collector) to find al elusive or cryptic species and those present at low density.  rnSampling will be carried out near the Ny-Ålesund harbour, which is supposed to be an entry point of NIMS, and in two sites, one to the north and the other one to the south of the entrance of the Kongsfjorden, to assess the potential spreading of NIMS. For each location 3 sampling replications will be carried out, for a total of 6 sampling days. rnThis project will provide important information about the presence/absence of NIMS in Svalbard and a starting point for future analysis of a possible colonisation.rnrn-	Lassuy, D.R., P.N. Lewis (2013). Arctic Biodiversity Assessment. Chapter 16 - Invasive Species: Human- Induced. CAFF report.

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Knocking on Arctic Door – Svalbard’s NIMS and door knocker fish species in the marine coastal waters (VECNA)