Task 2.1: Establishment of an EU information network on alien and invasive species (AIS)[WR1]

Task leader: Helen Roy (Centre for EcologyHydrology, UK)

Deputy: Colette O’Flynn (National Biodiversity Data Centre, Ireland)

Key recommendations for Task 2.1

  • A current and comprehensiveinformation network is required to underpin EU policy on IAS and to enhance understanding through scientific research.
  • The information network should combine basic informationfor a large number of species with more detailed information on a defined sub-group of species (e.g. black list species, IAS of EU-concern)
  • The information network’s key tasks are (1) the coordination of the harmonization of existing resources (global databases (such as GISD and CABI ISC), European databases (such as DAISIE), regional databases (such as NOBANIS), national databases, taxonomic and systems (marine, terrestrial and freshwater) based databases), (2) the development of a web-based platform that facilitates access to distributed information (such as GBIF), and (3) to ensure that the information is compliant with European and National policy instruments. A network of administrators (virtual secretariat) would coordinate these efforts. It is critical that specific national needs are considered through a regional approach with the support of a secretariat[WR2].
  • The information network would need to support and sustain activities and updates to existing resources to ensure continued availability of high quality information for the web-based platform and ensure regional and national relevance.
  • The information networkshould encourage the gathering and rapid sharing of high resolution occurrence data at a national level with effective flow of data through the network to end users. To support interoperability, the information network would issue guidelines and standards for data collation and exchange.
  • The information network should comprise a list of experts which is maintained through regular updates by contributors.[WR3]
  • The information network should encourage the development of innovative tools for identification (guides, fact sheets, online European DNA code online systems, web based keys[WR4]) and ensure availability of existing tools.
  • The information network should encourage the development of innovative tools for analysis such as environmental or ecological niche modelling.[WR5]
  • The information network should be a centralized hub for receiving member states species alerts and disseminating them to the other member states.

Figure 1: Illustration of the general comcept of the proposed information network for alien and invasive species (provided by JRC). WMS - Web Map Services, WFS – Web Feature Service, WPS – Web Processing Service.

Key questions from the scoping document:

  • Which objectives should the IAS information networkfulfil?
  • What should be the main data sources?
  • As regards the data to be included in the IAS information network, what information is essential and what information is desirable?

Summary of relevant text from the EEA report “Towards an early warning and information system for invasive alien species (IAS) threatening biodiversity in Europe”

The EEA report “Towards an early warning and information system for invasive alien species (IAS) threatening biodiversity in Europe” (EEA Technical report No 5/2010 at: provides a comprehensive description of a suitable structure for an IAS information network within the context of relevant objectives.

The first and second key recommendations of this report highlight the need for an IAS information network that encompasses surveillance (1) and monitoring (2) (noting that surveillance and monitoring are covered in Task 2.2):

1At the pan-European scale, a coordinated surveillance system should be established under the responsibility of a European technical structure dedicated to IAS or of a network of national authorities/institutions. The surveillance system should be aimed in particular at:

1.1 collecting and storing information on new incursions through direct contacts with countries, institutions, stakeholders and experts, and regularly screening scientific journals, grey literature, newsletters, etc.;

1.2 promoting best use of existing capacity and procedures to collect, analyse and circulate information on IAS promptly;

1.3 providing guidance on effective techniques for rapid detection of newly arrived alien species, and disseminating information on best practices;

1.4 developing ad hoc alarm lists based on predictions of the spread or arrival of IAS;

1.5 identifying and encouraging regular surveillance of key pathways and high-risk areas, such as:

1.5.1 areas of predicted spread of established invasive species;

1.5.2 main entry points for commercial or tourist arrivals (airports, ports, harbours, open moorings, train stations) and areas frequently visited by tourists;

1.5.3 areas adjacent to containment facilities for potential IAS;

1.5.4 highly disturbed areas (land clearance, construction, storm damage) and areas where disturbance occurs regularly (roads, railways etc.);

1.5.5 isolated ecosystems and ecologically sensitive areas (e.g. islands).

2 At the European scale, a coordinated monitoring system should be established under the responsibility of a European technical structure dedicated to IAS or a network of national authorities/institutions. The monitoring system should be aimed in particular at:

2.1 establishing and updating an inventory of active monitoring programmes for different areas/taxonomic groups and analysing the information to identify the main gaps, areas for development and opportunities for more effective collaboration within Europe;

2.2 promoting monitoring programmes of pathways, vectors and vulnerable points, as appropriate (e.g. through identification and risk analysis of different pathways and vectors for species introductions or spread, including methods to predict potential invasiveness of alien species prior to introduction).

Key recommendations 3 and 4 in theEEA report “Towards an early warning and information system for invasive alien species (IAS) threatening biodiversity in Europe” highlight the need for assurance of data quality and for action at the national or local level to share data and expertise. The EEA report also notes the requirement to:

5.3 maintain and update a European inventory of alien species, including data on recorded impacts;

5.4 maintain a regularly updated register of experts;

Additionally the EEA report suggests a need to:

6 At the European scale, the European institutions should provide support to ensure:

6.1 use and circulation of existing tools (e.g. DAISIE);

6.2 integration of existing web-based European (e.g. DAISIE, NOBANIS, etc.) and global (GISD, ISC, etc) databases with descriptive pictures, and other identification tools;

6.3 development of further research in the field of taxonomy and the development of innovative diagnostic tools such as DNA bar coding of alien species;

6.4 production and circulation of ad hoc guides and manuals for identifying the most invasive species.

The EEA report provides an overview of some of the information systems available across Europe (3 Information system pages 21-28). The key recommendations in this section:

16 At the European scale, the European dedicated technical structure should establish a European information system on Invasive Alien Species, building on the experience and tools developed within DAISIE, NOBANIS, EPPO PQR and other existing databases. The information system should include an alien species inventory, detailed accounts for selected species, a registry of invasiveness, diagnostic tools, an expert registry and a registry of competent authorities. The system should be permanently hosted by the European dedicated technical structure, which will be given the mandate and resources to:

16.1 regularly update the inventory to include newly detected alien species recorded in Europe;

16.2 create a new database and regularly update alien species pages in the national biodiversity Clearing House Mechanism or equivalent and link these to relevant European and global IAS information networks to ensure rapid dissemination of information;

16.3 mobilise existing expertise for species inventory and review, based on a partnership approach (universities, research institutes, botanic gardens, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders);

16.4 produce, validate and communicate black, alert and watch lists to relevant authorities and actors;

16.5 work closely with counterpart national focal points, relevant instruments and organisations (e.g. European Commission, European Environment Agency, Bern Convention Secretariat, CBD Secretariat, IUCN/SSC ISSG, GISP, Ramsar Secretariat, CMS Secretariat, UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, IMO, IPPC/EPPO Secretariat, European Maritime Safety Agency) to exchange information and promoting effective responses to biological invasions;

16.6 engage with stakeholders and relevant sectors (e.g. the horticultural industry) to promote best practices;

16.7 promote coordination among countries, sectors and key institutions to harmonise actions with particular reference to shared IAS pathways and problems;

16.8 use existing regional expertise and networks (e.g. DAISIE network, NOBANIS network, International Commission for Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea, Regional Biological Invasions Centre hosting the virtual European Research Network on Aquatic Invasive Species, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research for the Mediterranean Sea, EPPO).

17 At both the European and national scale, a commitment should be taken to:

17.1 provide the resources to maintain and update the European information system permanently;

17.2 ensure that European, regional, and national databases on alien species including species accounts, are built on the basis of a common data shell and are linked to the European information system on alien species;

17.3 support the development of international comprehensive registers, such as the Global Register of Invasive Species (GRIS) being developed by IUCN ISSG.

Key points from discussions at the Invasive Alien Species Working Group 2 on Early Warning and Rapid Response: meeting on 3 February 2011

  • Which objectives should the IAS information networkfulfil?

IAS data is required for many purposes and an information network could enhance the following:

Screening species for likely impact (risk assessment) and relevance to alarm (alert) lists, black lists and watch lists

Receiving and disseminating species alerts from and to member states (Early Warning)

The information system should be an open freely accessible system (database) (note: the Animal Health TRACE system is a closed database)

Awareness raising

Scientific research

Informing policy

Assessing the response to policy (trends and indicators)

  • What should be the main data sources?

It is critical that all the data provided is assured as high quality and accurate. It should not be anticipated that a comprehensive database is achievable in a short time frame but linking existing databases and highlighting gaps would be an appropriate starting point. DAISIE, NOBANIS and the CABI IAS Compendium are key data providers but there are also many national systems and specific taxonomic systems that could be linked.

  • As regards the data to be included in the IAS information network, what information is essential and what information is desirable?

The number of relevant species (> 3800 in Great Britain (GB) alone, > 11,000 in Europe (according to DAISIE) prohibits a comprehensive approach for all species. A broad but shallow approach is seen as desirable with additional detail for the most critical IAS (linking to the alert lists, black lists and watch lists or IAS of EU concern). DAISIE provides a model example in which the inventory of species is broad with key information provided for all[WR6] but for additional information is provided for the “100 worst”[WR7] (Appendix 2). NOBANIS functions on a similar model to DAISIE with a species database populated by each member country and additional information provided for key species (approx. 57 species in 2010). [WR8]Set vocabulary is used for the database with essential and desirable information outlined. The categories marked in yellow are the ones that must be supplied.

•Country

• Family name

•Species name

• Common name

•Group

• Year of introduction

• Year of first report

• Natural distribution

•Type of introduction

• Pathway

• Habitat

• Status

• Frequency

•Invasiveness

• Impact

• Comments

•Last updated

Key relevant points from the NOBANIS and EEA 2 day workshop on developing an early warning system for invasive alien species (IAS) based on the NOBANIS database: June 1-2, 2010 Ireland.

  • As regards the data to be included in the IAS information network, what information is essential and what information is desirable?

Minimum requirements for a member state to supply to the information network for an early warning notification:

  • Scientific name of organism
  • Where recorded (grid reference)
  • Type/description of where found (introduced) habitat
  • Date of sighting recorded
  • Contact details
  • Is there a specimen?
  • Any actions taken?

Desirable additional information that the EU IAS information networkcould issue with the species alert to other member states:

  • Alien status
  • Year of introduction (before or after xx)
  • Pathway of introduction (and confidence)
  • Impact
  • Frequency (rare, common etc.)
  • Spread capacity
  • Status (casual or established)
  • Management options (if any known)
  • Ecology (if known) / fact sheet link
  • References
  • Type of record (picture, specimen etc)

This first report to Working Group 1 outlines abovethe information from various reports, meetings and existing IAS information systems with relevant information to draw upon for answering the three questions set under Task 2.1 Development of an EU IAS information network. Additional information and responses to the first draft of this report are outlined in the appendices.

Appendix 1: Some example of national systems

GB Non-native Species Information Portal(provided by Helen Roy)

The GB Non-native species information portal (GB-NNSIP) has been constructed using the DAISIE infrastructure as a model (figure 1). The databases underpinning the GB-NNSIP essentially comprise basic information on the biology of the species (“register”) and occurrence data (“distribution”). The occurrence data is collated through the NBN Gateway by many different providers (such as volunteer biological recorders, scientists, NGOs). The register has been populated by taxonomic experts and comprises information on more than 3800 alien (=non-native) species only a small fraction are considered as IAS and more detailed factsheets are provided for these.

Fig.2. Interactions between The Portal (GB Portal) and the wider community engaged in monitoring and surveillance of non-native species. Distributional data is collated from various organisations and bodies (statutory bodies, Local Records Centres and national schemes and societies including project collaborators MBA and BTO) through the NBN Gateway. Other information on non-native species is collated in the species register within the Biological records Centre (Centre for Ecology & Hydrology). Data from the species register and the NBN Gateway is delivered to The Portal and from here it can be exchanged with European (such as DAISIE) and Global initiatives).

The register contains basic information on taxonomy (hierarchical classification and synonyms), status (alien etc), native range (using TADWG categories), habitats utilized in invaded range (using EUNIS categories), major invasion pathways, method of introduction (accidental, release, escape), establishment status, impact (ecological and societal), place and date where first found in GB.[WR9]

National Invasive Species Database – Ireland(provided by Colette O’ Flynn)

The National Invasive Species Database project (Ireland) collates distribution data via the National Biodiversity Data Centre for invasive alien species listed and ranked through a risk assessment process. The species distribution data comes from a variety of sources and goes through a validation process. All validated records (sightings) in the database are made publicly available on interactive maps through the IAS portal.

The distribution data and additional information collated by the Data Centre is compiled in the IAS portal and provided to global and regional information systems. Vitally, this centralized hub of data exchange provides a mechanism for an Early Warning System which has been deployed nine times since 2008. Additional information is also provided to Local Authorities, researchers, state bodies and awareness, training and recording schemes are ongoing and integral to the data flow process.

Fig. 3. Simplified schema of the data and information flow into and the outputs from the National Invasive Species Database and associated web portal.

Belgium– Harmonia(provided by Sonia Vanderhoeven)

Harmonia, an information system oninvasive alien species in Belgium, has recently been developed at the initiative of scientists gatheredwithin the Belgian Forum on Invasive Species ( Harmonia is based on a standardised assessment protocol, ISEIA, which allows assessing,categorising and listing of non-native species from any taxonomic group according to their invasionstage in Belgium and to their impact on native species and ecosystem functions. Direct impactson human interests as public health, plant protection or economic costs are for the moment not

taken into account.

The ISEIA protocol aims at categorising non-native species on the basis of a standardised method designed to minimise the use of subjective opinions and to make the process ofassessing and listing invasive species transparent and repeatable.The ISEIA approach favours the use of invasion histories documented in peer-reviewedpublications and in scientific reports from Belgium and neighbouring areas. It is considered thatnon-native species are likely to cause significant impacts on native species and ecosystems inBelgium if they have already done so in neighbouring countries with similar environmentalconditions. Species concerned by the assessment are either already detrimental in neighbouringcountries or reported by Belgian land managers to show considerable expansion in natural

habitats.

The Belgian list system is based on three different list categories as recommended in the Europeanstrategy on Invasive Alien Species in 2003. Those categories are defined according to the severityof impacts on the environment: no negative impact (white list), negative impact suspected (watchor grey list) and negative impact confirmed (black list). The assignment of a non-native species toone of those categories is assessed by four main criteria matching the last steps of the invasionprocess: 1) the potential for spread, 2) the colonisation of natural habitats and 3) adverseecological impacts on native species and ecosystems. Consistent with other risk assessmentstandards, equal weight is assigned to each of the four criteria and a three-point scale is used forcriteria scoring: low (or unlikely), medium (or likely) and high. The global ISEIA score is calculatedas the sum of risk rating scores of the four criteria. Moreover, an alert list is defined as includingspecies that are not yet naturalised in Belgium but are invasive in neighbour areas.