Information system of non-indigenous species

The systematic archiving of biological records, particularly of non-indigenous species (NIS) and harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP) is of crucial importance for the benefit of the international community engaged in ballast water and biofouling management. There is little value in monitoring of NIS and HAOP, unless the knowledge obtained is timely, quality-assured and can be directly used by management for decision-making.

In COMPLETE, AquaNIS will be further developed to meet these information needs. The system will be completed with new data on valid taxonomy of NIS, including metadata on availability of molecular information, introduction event records at the level of HELCOM countries and particular ports, biological traits and environmental tolerance limits of NIS, documented evidence of NIS found in ballast water and/or on ship hulls, and their impacts on environment, including ecosystem structure and functioning.

For the specific purposes of risk assessment for ballast water management exemptions, a new functional module will be developed in AquaNIS for the output of port baseline surveys including data on species occurrence, abundance and environmental conditions in ports. It will include target species lists prepared worldwide based on administrative decisions regarding exemptions.