Non-indigenous species of the Belgian part of the North Sea and adjacent estuaries

Flanders Marine Institute and its consortium of experts on non-indigenous species conduct an ongoing effort to collect and maintain a list of alien species with documented established populations in the Belgian part of the North Sea and its adjacent estuaries. The list strives to include all currently known non-indigenous and cryptogenic species registered in salt and brackish environments in the Belgian part of the North Sea, the Belgian coastal zone and adjacent estuaries (Yser, Scheldt, Ostend Sluicedock). The discovery of America (1492) marked by a strong increase in trans-Atlantic shipping is set as the historical baseline of this assessment. This effort scrutinizes intentional and unintentional introductions by man or other vectors. Alien species for which there is no evidence of resident populations are not included in the list, nor are species that are limited to the fresh water environment. Newly registered species as a consequence of (expected) naturally induced migrations are also excluded. This initiative aims at providing a freely available online source of information on non-indigenous species and its associated network of experts for this study area. This includes definitions, information sheets and background literature, by species, and further links to European and international initiatives. Each information sheet describes the life cycle and ecology of the species, the introduction pathways and distribution, the possible effects or impacts of the species on its environment and potential mitigation measures. Pictures and a fully documented reference list - all available at the VLIZ library - represent an important added-value.http://www.vliz.be/NL/Cijfers_Beleid/Niet_inheemse (Dutch)