Impacts of invasive alien species and climate change on marine ecosystems in Estonia / Invasiivsete võõrliikide ja kliimamuutuste mõju Eesti mereökosüsteemidele

About this project

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">There is currently no universal framework to assess the environmental effects of alien species on the recipient ecosystems as well as the spatial extent of such impacts. This project will investigate ways to control the spread of invasive species in the marine environment and increase the resilience of ecosystems to climate change, make recommendations for sustainable thematic solutions and develop methodologies for future actions. In addition to the above, dissemination of knowledge on alien species and climate change impacts, and training of stakeholder groups on identification of impacts and implementation of mitigation measures will be an important part of the project.</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">Tasks</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">1) The climate change theme will focus on the assessment of the distribution of marine habitats of high CO2 sequestration value, the distribution of communities of higher plants (seagrass and other higher plants) and their CO2 sequestration potential in the Estonian marine waters</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">2)&nbsp;The alien species theme assesses individual and combined impacts of alien species on the abiotic and biotic environments and ecosystem services</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">3)&nbsp;We model the spatial distribution potential of alien species and assess the spatial impacts of these invasive species in the context of current environmental conditions, future climate scenarios and other key pressures</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">4) The project will be developing an eDNA method for biological monitoring in ports, allowing rapid and early detection of novel and potentially high impact alien species in key risk areas</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">5) We develop the frameworks of the assessment of impacts of invasive alien species and risk analysis based on the needs arising from the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Ballast Water Convention</span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif">Target groups: Public authorities involved in environmental protection, Universities, Conservation specialists, Protected species and habitats, Officials and staff of governmental and other public authorities, Developers of training courses and methodologies</span></span></p>

Bilateral cooperation results

As a result of cooperation with the project partner, the impact of alien species on ecosystem services was assessed. A scientific article was prepared and published in cooperation. The task of the Norwegian project partner was to contribute with their knowledge and experience to the assessment of the consequences of the invasion of marine alien species in order to consider its implementation in the Baltic Sea. Exchange of knowledge, focusing primarily on methodological issues, was one of the priority tasks of this cooperation.

Project partners

• Norwegian Institute of Marine Research Donor project partner· Norway