Bilat - Biological Invasions in Sub-Arctic Marine Ecosystems Under the Climate Change: Causes, Impacts and Projections (BINARC)

Human mediated introductions of alien species, also termed as biological invasions (bioinvasions), are recognized as one of the major expressions of global change. Bioinvasions substantially change the ecosystem goods and services by altering energy trans fer pathways and threatening indigenous biodiversity. In recent decades, the Sub-Arctic marine ecosystems has been exposed to an increasing rate of bioinvasions mainly because of intensified shipping trade and the associated release of alien species conta ined in ballast waters. Successful invasions often accompany environmental degradation, and global warming facilitates the northward spread of species adapted to warmer temperatures. Thus, the anticipated rise in seawater temperatures in the Sub-Arctic ma rine environment may significantly increase the survival and favor the dispersal of both established and newly arriving alien species. Without proper management and control strategies based on scientific advances, the harmful impact from invasive species is likely to accelerate. The BINARC proposal is aimed at establishment of research contacts with scientists from USA and Russia, relative to studies of above mentioned processes under common umbrella of biological invasion study in conditions of climate c hange.