João Canning-Clode re-elected chair of ICES invasive species expert group

The annual meeting of The Working Group on Introduction and Transfers of Marine Organisms (WGITMO) was held in Washington DC from March 3 to 5. The meeting was attended by MARE researchers Paula Chainho and João Canning-Clode, who was re-elected for a new three-year term as president.  

In a press release, João Canning-Clode revealed that “the decision was taken unanimously during the group's annual meeting, which took place last week in Washington, D.C., USA, consolidating its leadership in this international body”.

Paula Chainho presented Portugal's annual report, which identified three new species introduced into estuaries and continental coastal zones, one in the Azores and one in Madeira. She also presented the new research projects carried out in Portugal on this subject.

This working group (Working Group on Introductions and Transfer of Marine Organisms - WGITMO), analyzes the vectors for the introduction of non-indigenous species, the tools used to detect their presence and the impacts they cause on invaded ecosystems, among other aspects.

As João Canning-Clode explains, “WGITMO is a group that brings together experts from around the world to study the introduction and transfer of marine organisms, with a particular focus on aquatic invasive species and their impact on ocean ecosystems.” In addition, the group of experts “plays an essential role in the monitoring and assessment of invasive species, promoting early detection, analysis of population dynamics, their ecological impacts and the development of mitigation strategies.” 

This working group registers new invasions every year in the geographical area of ICES and therefore plays an advisory role to various governmental and management entities in order to minimize the environmental and economic risks associated with these invasions.

According to the MARE researcher, “The renewal of the mandate strengthens the position of the Autonomous Region of Madeira and Portugal in marine scientific research at a global level, consolidating its influence in the sustainable management of the oceans and the preservation of marine biodiversity.”