Oceanographic characteristics of the Adriatic Sea – Support to secondary HAOP spread through natural dispersal

Romina Kraus, Federica Grilli, Nastjenjka Supić, Ivica Janeković, Marina Brailo, Magdalena Cara, Ana Bratoš Cetinić, Alessandra Campanelli, Stefano Cozzi, Raffaele D'Adamo, Tamara Djakovac, Mathieu Dutour-Sikirić, Vesna Flander-Putrle, Janja Francé, Danijela Joksimović, Katja Klun, Jerina Kolitari, Martina Kralj, Grozdan Kušpilić, Mauro MariniFrano Matić, Josip Mikuš, Živana Ninčević-Gladan, Marco Pansera, Marijana Pećarević, Robert Precali, Ivana Prusina, Federica Relitti, Angela Santucci, Antonietta Specchiulli, Denis Škalic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Web of Science)

Abstract

Vessels, specifically ballast water and hull fouling, are a major vector for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) in European seas. The Mediterranean is one of the world's marine regions where their invasion is heaviest. The shallow Adriatic basin is a highly sensitive area that is already experiencing its consequences. The secondary spread of NIS over a wider area through natural dispersion is a complex process that depends on a wide range of oceanographic factors. This work analysed the dataset of the BALMAS project, in whose framework twelve ports in the Adriatic Sea were subjected to a Port Baseline Survey (PBS), to estimate the natural spread of NIS organisms from their port of arrival to the wider Adriatic basin. Its findings indicate that the prevailing water circulation patterns facilitate the natural dispersal of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens (HAOP).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)59-85
Number of pages27
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume147
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2019

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