On January 27, 2026, European Parliament members from the Fisheries Committee (PECH) passed a significant report advocating for an integrated, ecosystem-based approach to protect sensitive marine species, such as cetaceans, sharks, and rays, from the growing threat of invasive alien species (IAS). This initiative comes against the backdrop of the European Union’s (EU) updated marine species list, which, as of July 2025, includes only two marine species, a fact that many parliamentarians deem insufficient.
The approved report saw a unanimous vote of 21 in favor, with no opposition and five abstentions. It emphasizes the urgent need for both EU nations and the Commission to take decisive action. The parliamentarians highlighted that a holistic management strategy based on ecosystem principles is essential for sustainable fishing practices. This approach aims not only to conserve sensitive species but also to address various stressors affecting marine ecosystems, including terrestrial influences, pollution, and climate change.
The implications of invasive species for biodiversity and fisheries are severe, as they lead to decreased catch levels and increased operational costs for fishermen and aquaculture producers. To ensure effective conservation measures, the parliamentarians urged the full implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and the use of technical regulations from the Common Fisheries Policy. This includes minimizing accidental catches of vulnerable species through selective fishing gear.
Recognizing that transitioning away from traditional fishing zones can be economically detrimental to local fisheries, the report calls for fair compensation for fishermen who lose access to their usual fishing areas. Further, it proposes adaptation funds and compensation schemes, especially for those regions facing direct economic losses due to IAS.
One of the report’s critical highlights is the need for improved monitoring systems for marine IAS. The parliamentarians have called for the establishment of regional monitoring initiatives that utilize innovative technologies, such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and artificial intelligence. They are also advocating for community engagement campaigns aimed at fishermen and local coastal communities to enhance the detection and identification of new invasive species. Furthermore, they stress the importance of a consistent methodology for monitoring across all EU marine regions, urging the Commission to ensure that this integrated approach includes preventive measures, control actions, and research as part of the European Oceans Pact.
The need for increased funding to combat IAS is underscored, with calls for greater financial allocation from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and future EU budgets. The current EU list of concerning species does not adequately acknowledge the IAS threat to the fishing sector, leading parliamentarians to demand enhancements based on updated scientific advice and risk assessments. This includes developing specific indicators for sensitive and invasive species in EU waters.
Changes in marine habitats over recent decades—driven largely by climate change—have raised concerns. IAS, which include predatory alien species introduced either accidentally or deliberately into natural ecosystems, threaten ecological balance and biodiversity, with repercussions for human health. The growing presence of these species, particularly along coastlines such as those of the Netherlands, Greece, Cyprus, and Spain, is alarming. The Mediterranean Sea, noted for warming 20% faster than the global average, has become a hotspot for IAS, housing more invasive species than any other ocean.
Overall, the report underscores the urgency of enhancing protective measures and addressing the challenges posed by invasive species across European seas to preserve biodiversity and support the fishing industry.
