Description: The recent creation of the Coordinerend orgaan invasieve exoten by LNV, as well as the importance assigned to invasive exotic species in the KRM (kader richtlijn marien) has underlined the importance of identifying and assessing the impacts of invasive species in the Netherlands, and its territorial waters. IMARES has the potential to be a key player in many aspects of invasive species research in the future, as we have 1) an intimate knowledge of species trends in freshwater and marine environments, across many species and species types. In addition we 2) have broad qualitative and quantitative biological expertise, and 3) a network of observers in the field allowing us to go beyond a reporting of trends towards research on mechanisms and implications of invasive species. In this project we aim to synthesise data on invasive species trends, link these with both biotic and a-biotic data and address hypotheses on invasion and invasibility of ecosystems. In spite of the importance of invasive species in policy and research, IMARES as a whole has no coordinated strategic vision on both policy and research relevant aspects of aquatic invasive species, and key knowledge remains fragmented across locations and departments. In this proposal we seek to address this gap by coming together to integrate this knowledge across all IMARES blood groups , and develop a vision on how IMARES could strengthen its position with regards to invasive species.
Research objectives: In this project we will address several aspects of invasive species through intensive workshops, where participants will bring together both taxonomical as well as process knowledge to:
1. identify the strengths and weaknesses of invasive species research within IMARES 2. develop strategies, both for addressing gaps in knowledge, as well as exploiting our stengths 3. identify key stakeholders for invasive species policy advice and research 4. identify key potential funding bodies for this advice/research both in the near and far future
Results and products: A Strategy document recommending IMARES vision on invasive species. |