Invasive Alien Species Observatory and Network Development for the Assessment of Climate Change Impacts in Black Sea Deltaic Protected Areas (I.A.S.O.N)

Under a global changing environment, the Black Sea is found in between the European and Asian crossroad and in the transition between the Mediterranean and North. A great number of stakeholders have developed economic activities around the Black Sea coastline, especially at the deltas, which are known for their density in population and growth potential (such as fishing, fisheries and aquacultures, tourism and recreation, farming etc). Historically, the Black Sea is under the invasion of alien species from the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea due to various reasons such as shipping and global warming and at present, mediterraneanisation of the Black Sea is being discussed widely in the scientific community due to climate change. The overall objective of the project is to establish, perform and communicate joint monitoring actions on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Black Sea deltaic ecosystems and assess their response under current and predicted climatic conditions. The project will seek to contribute in promoting coordination of environmental protection in the Black Sea region and in particular through improving the process of joint environmental monitoring.