Intent and Objectives: National Action Plan concerning Marine Species Introduction and Invasive Marine Species in Malta

In terms of Article 51 of the Environment Protection Act (Cap. 549), it is duly notified that the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is elaborating a ‘National Action Plan concerning marine species introduction and invasive species in Malta’ within the framework of the Protocol concerning Specially Protected Areas and Biological Diversity in the Mediterranean (SPA/BD Protocol) of the Barcelona Convention. This will be in collaboration with a national expert commissioned by the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC).

The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), also known as alien species, is considered a major driver of native biodiversity loss in marine ecosystems, challenging the conservation of marine biodiversity and natural resources. Alien marine species may become invasive and substantially change community structure, modify habitats and affect foodweb properties and ecosystem processes. NIS can also be associated with impacts on human health and economic sectors.

Therefore, it is imperative to take immediate steps to prevent the introduction of alien species, control the spread of those already introduced and endeavour to mitigate the damage they cause to the marine ecosystem, including through national actions as well as regional and international cooperation.

The development of a National Action Plan addressing NIS is in accordance with the requirements of the Regional Action Plan concerning Species Introductions and Invasive Species in the Mediterranean Sea (UNEP/MAP 2017) under the Barcelona Convention. This invites Mediterranean countries to adopt National Plans for the prevention of the introduction of new alien marine species by controlling their pathways, and to mitigate their negative impact. It shall also respond to and feed into other policy processes, including those pertaining to the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Directive 2008/56/EC) and the EU Regulation on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014), as well as the recently adopted National Strategy for Preventing and Mitigating the Impact of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in the Maltese Islands, together with the accompanying National Codes of Good Practice, and the national Action Plan Addressing Escape From Confinement of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) of Union Concern (Pets, Aquaria and Terrarium species).

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