EU Parliament urges action against marine invasive species and calls for monitoring, funding and stronger role for fishermen.
MEPs Warn of Growing Threat to Marine Ecosystems
The European Parliament has called for stronger action to combat the spread of marine invasive alien species, warning that their growing presence is damaging marine ecosystems and threatening economic activities such as fisheries and aquaculture.
In a resolution adopted during plenary, Members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission and EU member states to work jointly with the fishing sector to prevent further expansion of invasive species and reduce their impact on marine biodiversity.
The resolution was adopted by 528 votes in favour, 21 against and 62 abstentions.
MEPs argue that invasive species are increasingly affecting European waters and that existing EU policies are not adequately addressing the scale of the problem.
Parliament also noted with concern that only a small number of marine species are currently included on the EU list of invasive alien species of Union concern.
Monitoring and Early Warning Systems Proposed
MEPs are calling for the creation of regional monitoring systems focused specifically on invasive marine species, including coordinated early warning and response strategies.
The proposal reflects concerns that monitoring programmes for marine invasive species remain fragmented and inconsistent across the European Union.
Parliament highlighted the growing presence of invasive species in several regions, including the North Sea, particularly along the Dutch coastline, the north-east Atlantic, Spain’s Ebro river, as well as waters around Greece, Cyprus and the western Mediterranean.
MEPs argue that better monitoring and improved coordination between EU countries are essential if authorities are to detect and respond to new species before they become established.
They also called on member states to strengthen the European Alien Species Information Network by supplying more detailed data on species distribution, including information gathered by fishermen and aquaculture producers.
Mediterranean Identified as High-Risk Area
Particular attention was given to the Mediterranean Sea, which MEPs described as especially vulnerable to biological invasions.
According to the Parliament resolution, the Mediterranean is warming around 20 per cent faster than the global average and currently hosts more invasive alien species than any other sea.
MEPs therefore urged the Commission and EU countries to allocate additional resources and adopt urgent measures to contain the spread of invasive species in the region.
They also called for increased support for monitoring and research initiatives carried out by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean.
Role of Fishermen in Managing Invasive Species
Parliament stressed that the fishing community should play a central role in efforts to manage invasive species.
MEPs said fishermen must be properly informed about the environmental and economic impacts of invasive species and about practical measures that could help reduce associated risks.
The resolution emphasises that fishermen, particularly those operating small-scale vessels, should be represented in advisory bodies involved in shaping management measures.
At the same time, Parliament called for targeted financial support to help the fishing sector deal with the consequences of invasive species.
MEPs suggested the creation of compensation schemes for fishermen who lose access to traditional fishing grounds or suffer economic losses due to environmental changes linked to invasive species.
They also proposed adaptation funds and financial incentives to encourage fishermen to participate in targeted removal programmes designed to control invasive populations.
Sensitive Species Seen as Indicators of Ocean Health
In addition to tackling invasive species, the Parliament resolution highlights the importance of protecting sensitive marine species that can serve as indicators of ecosystem health.
MEPs argue that these species provide early warning signals of ecological imbalances and contribute to the resilience of marine ecosystems.
Because of this, Parliament is calling for fisheries management policies that are more closely aligned with ecosystem-based approaches.
The resolution also reiterates the EU objective of protecting 30 per cent of European seas by 2030 and stresses the importance of science-based management plans for marine protected areas.
Call for Improved EU Strategy
André Franqueira Rodrigues, a Portuguese Member of the European Parliament from the Socialists and Democrats group, said the scale of the problem requires stronger EU action.
“The European Union can no longer ignore the devastating impact that alien species are having on fisheries and aquaculture, with severe economic losses,” André Franqueira Rodrigues, Member of the European Parliament, said.
“By reaffirming the central role of sensitive species as indicators of ocean health, we advocate science-based management and the long-term preservation of ecosystems.”
He added that future policy must strengthen monitoring and provide greater support for the fishing sector.
“We therefore demand clear improvements in the EU strategy, through more science, more early warning systems and more financial support, ensuring that fishermen are active partners in conservation and not simply the main victims of these changes,” he said.