The Protection of the Marine Environment Against Alien Invasive Species: International Law and Policy Responses

Invasive alien species constitute the number two threat to marine biodiversity after habitat destruction. The problem today is growing tremendously, as the introduction of these species is accelerated by activities related to globalisation, such as trade, transport, travel and tourism. The marine environment is particularly vulnerable to invasions by alien species due to the various pathways such as ballast water, hull fouling or escapes from aquaculture facilities and other factors influencing the spread of invasive species - in particular climate change.

The book shows possibilities to further improve the international regime addressing the alien invasive species issue. Apart from the relevant multilateral environmental treaties and soft law instruments also other tools such as marine protected areas or means to improve compliance including economic instruments are assessed. The focus is on how to strengthen the existing regime and to promote effective implementation of the relevant provisions.

The book will be of interest to academics in the field of international environmental law and the law of the sea but is also addressed to policy-makers on the national, European and international level responsible for the protection of the marine environment as well as to practitioners in the marine transport sector.