Task 2.1: Establishment of an EU information system on alien and invasive alien species (IAS)
Task leader: Helen Roy (Centre for EcologyHydrology, UK)
Deputy: Colette O’Flynn (National Biodiversity Data Centre, Ireland)
Contents
1Key recommendations for Task 2.1
2Illustration and schemas of the proposed information network/Data Centre
3Key questions from the scoping document:
4APPENDICES
1Key recommendations for Task 2.1
- A current and comprehensive information system is required to underpin EU policy on IAS and to enhance understanding through scientific research.
- There are various options on which the information system could be based: Option A: voluntary network of national authorities; Option B: non-institutional European panel; Option C: European Observatory; Option D: EU agency based on new/revised legislation; Option E: EU central authority. These require discussion and consideration however at a recent JCR meeting delegates agreed unanimously on the preference of centralized access to distributed data sources through a web-based network.
- There is considerable variation in understanding of the term “invasiveness” and this can make comparisons between member states difficult. A consensus on the definition may not be achieved and so a list of IAS (based on agreed criteria) coordinated by a secretariat should be developed, which is the basis for taking action and listing IAS species sub groups (black list, alert list, watch list etc.).
- The information network should combine basic information for a large number of species with more detailed information on a defined sub-group of species (such as black list and alert list species or watch list (IAS of EU concern)).
- The information network should ensure(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 –examples in appendices), (2) the development of a web-based platform that facilitates access to distributed information, and (3) to ensure that the information is compliant with and informs European and National policy instruments.
- The information network would need to support and sustain activities in the member states 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 network should encourage the gathering and rapid sharing of high resolution occurrence data at a national level through monitoring and surveillance 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, decision makers or national contact points which is maintained through regular updates by contributors. Additionally other people directly and indirectly participating in the evaluation process of IAS should be listed as appropriate.
- The information network should encourage the development of innovative tools for identification (guides, fact sheets, online European DNA barcodes (where available and robust), web based keys) and ensure availability of existing tools.
- The information network should encourage the development of innovative tools for analysis.
- The information network should be a centralized hub for receiving member states species alerts and disseminating them to the other member states (communication in emergency and alert situations see WG2 task 5).
- While developing the information network special consideration should be given the Outermost Regions (OR) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) of the EU.
- 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. The structure of the secretariat would require consideration, a virtual secretariat might be inadequate and further dedicated support desirable or even essential.
2Illustration and schemas of the proposed information network/Data Centre
Figure 1: Illustration of the general concept 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.
3Key questions from the scoping document:
- Which objectives should the IAS information network fulfill?
- 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):
1 At 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 network fulfil?
IAS data is required for many purposes and an information network could enhance the following:
-Provide data for species risk screening or risk assessment to facilitate the listing process of species (alarm (alert) lists, black lists and watch lists);
-Provide data to facilitate the decision making process on rapid response actions by member states (see Task 2.3);
-Receiving and disseminating species alerts from and to member states (Early Warning), possibly including the screening of member state notifications to determine the urgency level for other member states (see Task 2.3)
-Provide data useful for awareness raising and exchange good awareness raising practices;
-Informing policy
-Assessing the effectivenessof management actions (trends and indicators) and exchange of (in)effective management options;
-Provide data to carry out scientific research;
A precondition is that the information system should be an open freely accessible system (database) (note: the Animal Health TRACE system is a closed database)
- 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. However, for scientific information on IAS linking existing databases and highlighting gaps would be an appropriate starting point. DAISIE, NOBANIS and the CABI IAS Compendium are key data providers of scientific information but there are also many national systems and specific taxonomic systems that could be linked. Furthermore, the EU database should be able to process member states information, such as notifications on IAS findings, invasiveness of species in a member state and (in)effective management options.
- 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 an example in which the inventory of species is broad with key information provided for all with additional information provided for the “100 worst” (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) although the database structure of DAISIE and NOBANIS is very different. It is important that the information provided is assigned an author to ensure traceability. 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 to NOBANIS for example.
•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
In order to facilitate a proper data flow from member states to EU database and vice versa it is crucial to agree on the taxonomic database(s) to be used. For example Fauna Europea could be the central taxonomic database for all living multicellular land and fresh-water animals, although some alien species new to the EU will not be available in this database.
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?
It should be noted that while the discussion below refers to spatial resolution at a member states scale but the biogeographical scale should also be considered as important (one species can show different frequencies, invasiveness and impacts according to the biogeographical area in which it occurs. The biogeographical scale could be considered as even more pertinent than the member state scale for gathering information.
Minimum requirements of information supplied by a member state to an information network for an early warning notification:
- Scientific name of organism
- Where recorded (grid reference)
- Habitat
- Date of sighting
- Contact details
- Any action taken? If so, what action has been taken?
Desirable additional information that the EU IAS information network could 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 the 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.
4APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Some examples of nation IAS information 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.
Figure.3. 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).