Workshop on management of invasive species in Marine Protected Areas, Matautu, Samoa 12-15 March 2007 : meeting report

Abstract

The intentional and unintentional transfer of species from one water body to another around the world has boomed in recent decades. Many seas and regions have been invaded by a high number of non-native species. Some of these species thrive in their new habitats, out-competing native species and changing ecosystems, sometimes dramatically. Alien Invasive Species (AIS) are currently perceived to be one of the primary threats to biological diversity. Throughout the world, marine resource managers are in the process of setting up marine protected areas (MPAs), sanctuaries, estuarine reserves and fishing closures as a means to preserve our marine biodiversity and living resources. Given the high ecological value of these areas, the efforts undertaken and the funds disbursed to conserve it, biodiversity loss in such places is even more dramatic than in others.