The number of exotic animals and plants in the Belgian part of the North Sea has significantly increased in recent decades, according to the Consortium on Exotic Species of the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) based on a thorough analysis.
This surge is primarily due to increased maritime transport between continents.
The analysis reveals that human-introduced species in the Belgian North Sea have more than tripled. In 1990, there were 33 such species compared to 105 today.
This rise mostly involves crabs, crustaceans, sea spiders, and shrimp. Molluscs, algae, and worms are also among the new arrivals.
VLIZ attributes the increase mainly to maritime transport, as many of these species have been brought to the North Sea by ship.
These new species can disrupt ecosystems. In some cases, they lead to a loss of biodiversity and ecological damage.
VLIZ suggests that preventing new species from entering the Belgian North Sea is the only solution. The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments aims to compel ships worldwide to treat their ballast water to prevent the spread of potentially invasive aquatic species, the Flanders Marine Institute notes.
