Actions regarding protection of the European sea against invasive species

22.3.2018

Question for written answer E-001767-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ivan Jakovčić (ALDE) , Jozo Radoš (ALDE)

Last year, there was an epidemic of the warty comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi) in the Northern Adriatic, which is harmless to humans, but presents a potentially major problem for small pelagic fish and its spawning, and which had previously caused major damage to the Black Sea fishery.

Furthermore, the species concerned has caused major damage in the Sea of Azov, the Caspian Sea and the Baltic Sea. Several years ago, there was a large invasion of Caulerpa taxifolia, an algae which, carried on ship anchors, started to spread over the Adriatic without control, posing a threat for numerous marine species. Can the Commission say:

How does the Commission monitor, prevent and protect the European seas against invasive species which may cause damage in the marine ecosystem and cause immense consequences for the population from both an economic and sociological perspective?