Launch of Policy Brief on the management of exotic species in Madeira's MPAs

Today, April 3rd, is launched MARE's Policy Brief for the development of a Management Strategy for the containment of non-native (or exotic) species in Marine Protected Areas in the Madeira Archipelago. 

Authored by researchers João Canning-Clode, João Gama Monteiro, Marisa Marques Gouveia, Paola Parretti, Susanne Schäfer, Soledad Álvarez, Patrício Ramalhosa, Ana Dinis, Carlos Andrade, António Dinarte Vieira, and Nuno Castro, the document aims to raise awareness of the problem of the introduction of exotic species into Madeira's marine ecosystems and present possible measures for their management.

This Policy Brief is the result of a MARE study which concluded that the MPAs of Porto Santo (Ilhéu de Cima) and Garajau are the most at risk of invasion by exotic species, followed by Ponta de São Lourenço and Cabo Girão. Maritime traffic is identified as the main cause of this possible invasion and proliferation of exotic species, with the port infrastructures of Funchal, Caniçal and Porto Santo being identified as the main points of dissemination.

The Madeira Archipelago currently has nine MPAs, but they still lack effective monitoring to prevent the dispersal of these species. For this reason, and because they are highly sensitive areas, there is an urgent need to develop more effective management strategies to prevent the introduction and proliferation of exotic species in the archipelago.

To address this need, the document presents some preventive proposals and recommendations. These include greater monitoring in and around these Marine Protected Areas, the adoption of cleaning measures and inspection of vessels in order to minimize possible transfer, and greater control of maritime traffic.

In addition, the need for international cooperation in using this model in other archipelagos in Macaronesia is highlighted, in order to strengthen global efforts against the threat of invasive alien species.

MARE's Policy Briefs are short summaries in Portuguese that translate the scientific results and detail practical recommendations for management and the definition of administrative policy strategies based on the research carried out at the center. They aim to bring scientific knowledge closer to key regional and national actors, supporting informed decisions in the areas of science policy, marine resource and maritime space management, environmental protection and marine conservation.

To access the Policy Brief click HERE

To access the study click HERE

Text by Patrícia Carvalho