For centuries, humans have been translocating species beyond their historical, native ranges, either intentionally or unintentionally. Over time, these non-native species movements have intensified with globalisation and the increase in the volume of trade – humans and their goods are moving more freely from place to place than ever before.
Likewise, rates of new species introductions and biological invasions are higher than ever before, and show no sign of slowing down over at least the next thirty years, write Phillip J. Haubrock, Ross N. Cuthbert and Melina Kourantidou.
Once introduced, non-native species which spread and successfully establish in their novel range are labelled as invasive and bring along a broad range of potential impacts to ecosystems, societies, and economies. For example, invasions are one of the leading causes of native species extinction, can reduce public health and social welfare through vectoring of disease, and lead to substantial damage to critical human infrastructures. Nowadays, invasive species occur on virtually all continents and habitats, meaning there are very few ‘pristine’ environments that are free from invasive species.
Costs of aquatic invasive species