Action Plan concerning Species Introductions and Invasive Species in the Mediterranean Sea

Overview

Within the framework of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity (SPA/BD Protocol), the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention adopted a regional Action Plan concerning Species Introductions and Invasive Species in the Mediterranean Sea.

Although they are not legally binding instruments, Regional Action Plans are adopted by the Contracting Parties as strategic frameworks defining common priorities and actions to be implemented.

They promote the regional cooperation and coordination necessary for the conservation and sustainable management of the species and habitats concerned. This approach has proven essential to ensure their coherent protection across the Mediterranean.

Scope

The Action Plan addresses non-indigenous species introduced into the Mediterranean Sea, in particular those likely to become invasive and to generate negative impacts on:

Marine and coastal biodiversity;
Human health;
Ecosystems and their services.

It also addresses the main introduction pathways and vectors in the Mediterranean, including maritime transport (ballast water and hull fouling), marine corridors, aquaculture, trade in live marine organisms, and fishing activities.

Non-native species in the Mediterranean: what, when, how and why?

Awareness-raising brochure on NIS published by SPA/RAC in 2011.

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Strategic orientation

The Action Plan aims to prevent the introduction of non-indigenous species linked to human activities and to limit the impacts of invasive species on marine and coastal ecosystems.

It is structured around two main operational objectives, in line with the Ecosystem Approach and IMAP:

To minimise the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species, notably through the management of introduction pathways, the strengthening of legal frameworks, and the establishment of early warning systems;
To reduce the impacts of invasive species through risk assessment, prioritisation, and the implementation of management measures, including rapid response plans.

These objectives are supported by priority actions to be implemented at national and regional levels.

Implementation

Implementation of the Action Plan is the responsibility of the national authorities of the Contracting Parties.

SPA/RAC ensures regional coordination, facilitates cooperation among countries and supports the development of technical guidance and capacity-building.

The Action Plan also foresees cooperation with other MAP components, in particular REMPEC, especially in relation to ballast water management.

International organisations, NGOs, scientific institutions and laboratories may contribute to its implementation and, where appropriate, obtain the status of Action Plan Partner in accordance with the procedures adopted by the Contracting Parties.

List of the Regional Action Plan’ Partners

The list below has been approved by the Seventeenth Meeting of SPA/BD Focal Points, held in Istanbul from 20 to 22 May 2025.

NGB: Association Notre Grand Bleu (Tunisia)
ERA : Environment & Resources Authority (Malta)
OCEANA: Fundación Oceana – Oceana in Europe (Spain)
ISPRA: Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Italy)
MedPAN: The Mediterranean network of Marine Protected Areas Managers (France)
WWF Mediterranean: World Wide Fund for Nature – Mediterranean (Italy)
WWF NA: World Wide Fund for Nature – North Africa (Tunisia)

Complementary Measures

In connection with international developments related to ballast water management, the Contracting Parties adopted in 2012 the Mediterranean Strategy on Ships’ Ballast Water Management (BWM), updated for the period 2022–2027.

This Strategy establishes a harmonised regional framework to support the ratification and effective implementation of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention), and to reduce the risk of introduction of invasive alien species transported by ships.

Its implementation, supported by REMPEC and SPA/RAC, contributes to achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Mediterranean, in line with the Action Plan concerning species introductions and invasive species and with IMAP.