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Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of Risk Assessments: Final Report (year 1) - Annex 9: Risk assessment for Plotosus lineatus

Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of risk assessments to tackle priority

species and enhance prevention

Contract No 07.0202/2016/740982/ETU/ENV.D2

Final Report

Annex 9: Risk Assessment for Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787)

RISK SUMMARIES

RESPONSE CONFIDENCE COMMENTSummarise Entry

very likely very highOriginally a Lessepsian immigrant, Plotosus lineatus is not yet proliferating within marine subregions of the EU, but has established populations in neighbouring countries (Tunisia, Turkey and the Middle East) and will very likely enter the EU region by natural dispersal. Considering its limited demand availability through in

November 2017 1

Risk assessment template developed under the "Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention" Contract No 07.0202/2016/740982/ETU/ENV.D2

Based on the Risk Assessment Scheme developed by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB Non-Native Risk Assessment - GBNNRA)

Name of organism: Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787)

Common name: striped eel catfish

Author(s) of the assessment: Marika Galanidi: Dr, Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Izmir, Turkey

Mikael Svensson, 06/04/18,

Specify: Turkey and the Middle East?Originally a Lessepsian immigrant – add for clarification.

Marika, 07/17/18,

This is beyond the scope of the risk assessment and is not taken into account for the revision. This is up to the EC to assess.

Urho Lauri, 05/28/18,

If natural dispersal is the main source of entry, and others are not important, then considering listing is a waste of time.


the aquarium trade and its presence in a relatively small number ofpopularity in large public aquaria in the potential establishment area, the likelihood of entry through aquaria related pathways is not very highalso high.

Summarise Establishmentvery likely very high

P. lineatus can tolerate a wide range of salinities, occupies many different marine habitats and has thermal requirements that are met throughout the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and a limited area in the Bay of Biscay (where establishment can occur only after an aquarium-related introduction event). It is already established in the Levantine Sea and expanding its distribution towards the north and west; its establishment in the risk assessment area is thus considered very likely. Establishment is not expected to be prevented by competition or predation, and will likely be facilitated by existing management practices in Europe, particularly the EUMediterranean-wide trawling ban at depths<50m and other national fisheries restrictions, which will favour protect both the spawning and the early life stages of the species with a preference for shallow waters..

Summarise Spreadmoderately rapidly

highThe short duration and demersal nature of the larvae and the population explosion of P. lineatus in Israel point to larval retention in this region. It appears that post-larval dispersal of the juveniles and adults has driven the spread of this species in the Mediterranean Sea so far at rates of 100-200 km per year; however it is probably only the adults that can cross large distances isolated by deeper waters. The juveniles move incessantly over sand while feeding so it is unlikely that they will venture (or survive well) into deep waters where food is more scarce. Its climatic requirements are not anticipated to pose significant barriers for spread, with only a few areas in the Mediterranean and

November 2017 2

Risk assessment template developed under the "Study on Invasive Alien Species – Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention" Contract No 07.0202/2016/740982/ETU/ENV.D2

Based on the Risk Assessment Scheme developed by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (GB Non-Native Risk Assessment - GBNNRA)

Name of organism: Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787)

Common name: striped eel catfish

Author(s) of the assessment: Marika Galanidi: Dr, Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Izmir, Turkey

Marika, 07/17/18,

this was not intended as a comment on fisheries politics; it is rather a mention of how a technical issue can affect aspects of the species’ invasion


this is not a proper place for fishery politics


Extremely odd to describe trawling ban as a negative factor in controlling P. lineatus.

Marika, 07/17/18,

Change accepted

Erland Lettevall, 06/12/18,

May be better wording by changing “protect” to “favour”, as the purpose for the trawling ban is not to specific protect P. lineatus.

Marika, 07/17/18,

The aquaria-related pathways have been revised, following new information made available by OATA. Please see relevant section for details.


not known to be important


the Black Sea displaying temperatures close to its thermal limit for spawning. In the rest of the EU Seas, spread establishment is expected to be limited to the Bay of Biscay and the south coast of Portugal. At a more localized scale, some spread could be achieved through fisheries discards, which may also facilitate the species in overcoming depth limitations to its dispersal, while capture and transportation of specimens for the aquarium trade may effect a larger scale spread albeit of lesser importance.

Summarise Impactmajor low

The documented environmental impacts are restricted to the putative link between the population explosion of P. lineatus and the population decline of the native fish species Trachinus draco, however

The ecological role of the species in the invaded range has not been adequately studied and, at the abundances reached in a population explosion, it is likely to be important. P. lineatus has the potential to exert significant predation pressure on native prey species, compete for resources with similar predators and effect changes in native community structure. The organism has been implicated in the competitive exclusion of the native species Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus from coastal sandy habitats. Moreover, feeding swarms of juveniles may increase turbidity, affecting suspension feeders, and change properties of the sediment with implications for nutrient cycling, mobilization of demersal eggs or dormant cysts.The recorded social impacts on the health and safety of fishermen and beachgoers stung by P. lineatus are currently moderate but widespread in the affected areas. The possibility of more severe injuries affecting larger areas, as this venomous species spreads in the Mediterranean Sea cannot be ignored.

November 2017 3

Marika, 07/17/18,

The aquaria-related pathways have been revised, following new information made available by OATA/EPO/OFI and EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria).


Top paragraph indicates release from the aquarium trade as a major problem.


How likely is this, given the species’ venomous nature? Isn,t It likely that the species is discarded rather instantly?

Marika, 07/17/18,

Indeed, that is correct. Establishment in the Bay of Biscay would be possible only if a release event occurs in the area.


Establishment. Is it likely that it will disperse along the Iberian west and north coast?


Economic impacts in the invaded range are largely associated with the substantial presence of P. lineatus in trawl catches as discards and the loss of income to fishermen because of the increased time needed to sort the catch and the loss of working hours due to injuries. Fisheries regulations in the EU means that lower bycatch rates and less severe impacts may be expected in the risk assessment area.Applying the precautionary principle, we conclude that this species can have major impacts both on the environment and human well-being.

Conclusion of the risk assessmenthigh medium

With a high likelihood of entry, both through natural dispersal from neighbouring countries and the possibility of “facilitated” or accidental escapes from domestic or public/private aquariathrough aquaria related pathways, a high likelihood for establishment and subsequent population explosion and the potential for major environmental and health impacts, P. lineatus is considered a high risk invasive species for the EU.

Distribution Summary (for explanations see EU chapeau and Annex 2):

Member States

Recorded Established (currently)

Established (future)

Invasive (currently)

Belgium - - - -Bulgaria - - Yes -Croatia - - Yes -Cyprus - - Yes -Denmark - - - -Estonia - - - -Finland - - - -France - - Yes -

November 2017 4

Marika, 17/07/18,

Comment from OATA: “We note the RA authors response in relation to how many EU Member States, Plotosus lineatus is predicted to become established (in the future). We would seek clarification from the RA authors as to why the EU Member States Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg and Slovakia do not appear in the table.”Reply: For marine species, RA authors were advised to delete from the table Member States that have no marine borders.

Marika, 08/01/18,

Under a worst-case scenario, yes


Is this correct?

Marika, 07/17/18,

The aquaria-related pathways have been revised


High likelihood through aquaria related pathways is not proven anywere.

Marika, 07/17/18,

This is explained in question 2.28


How come?


Germany - - - -Greece - - Yes -Ireland - - - -Italy - - Yes -Latvia - - - -Lithuania - - - -Malta - - Yes -Netherlands - - - -Poland - - ? -Portugal - - Yes -Romania - - Yes -Slovenia - - Yes -Spain - - Yes -Sweden - - - -United Kingdom - - - -

EU marine regions and subregions

Recorded Established (currently)

Established (future)

Baltic Sea - - ?Black Sea - - YesNorth-east Atlantic Ocean - - -

Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast - - ?Celtic Sea - - -Greater North Sea - - -

Mediterranean Sea - - -Adriatic Sea - - YesAegean-Levantine Sea Yes Yes YesIonian Sea and the Central Mediterranean Sea

- - Yes

Western Mediterranean Sea Yes Yes Yes

November 2017 5

Marika, 24/07/18,

This has been amended, please see Q2 of the Chapeau and Q 1.29


Why not the Black Sea?


ANNEX 1 – Map of the limiting factor for the establishment of P. lineatus in Europe 53ANNEX 2 - Current and potential distribution map of P. lineatus, including large pubic aquaria 54ANNEX 3 - Personal communication regarding intentional release of aquarium species 55ANNEX 3 - Question to European Union Aquarium Curators (EUAC) members 56-58ANNEX 4 - Clinical manifestations of P. lineatus injuries in the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea. 59ANNEX 5 - Communication with local experts 60-63ANNEX 6 - Scoring of Likelihoods of Events 64ANNEX 7 - Scoring of Magnitude of Impacts 65ANNEX 8- Scoring of Confidence Levels 66 ANNEX 9 - Ecosystem services classification (CICES V4.3) and examples 67-70 ANNEX 10. EU Biogeographical Regions and MSFD Subregions 71ANNEX 11. Evidence on measures and their implementation cost and cost-effectiveness 72-79

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EU CHAPEAU

QUESTION RESPONSE COMMENT

1. In which EU biogeographical region(s) or marine subregion(s) has the species been recorded and where is it established?

Recorded: Aegean-Levantine Sea (Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey) and Western Mediterranean Sea (Tunisia).Established: Mediterranean – Aegean-Levantine Sea (Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey) and Western Mediterranean Sea (Tunisia)

2. In which EU biogeographical region(s) or marine subregion(s) could the species establish in the future under current climate and under foreseeable climate change?

Current climate: Mediterranean - Aegean-Levantine Sea, Western Mediterranean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Central Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea Black SeaBay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast (low likelihood)

Foreseeable climate change: Mediterranean – Aegean-Levantine Sea, Western Mediterranean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Central Mediterranean, Adriatic Sea Black SeaBay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast (low likelihood)

For relevant distribution maps, see the Annexes 1, 2

Spawning of P.lineatus occurs in June-July (Heo et al., 2007) for Japan, Edelist et al., 2012 combined with life-cycle characteristics for Israel- see Q1.23) and at temperatures between 21 and 27 °C (Moriuchi & Dotsu, 1973). Suitable temperature conditions are currently met in the Mediterranean, Black Sea and the Iberian coast and the Bay of Biscay marine regions. all the EU biogeographical marine regions. With particular reference to the Iberian coast and the Bay of Biscay, sea surface temperatures (SST) of 21 °C in July are currently observed in the south coast of Portugal and in the Bay of Biscay (2012-2016 SST average, datasets retrieved from Copernicus Marine Services-see URL http://marine.copernicus.eu/services-portfolio/access-to-products/?option=com_csw&view=details&product_id=GLOBAL_REP_PHY_001_021 . Salinity is not expected to pose any limitation to its geographic distribution; Regarding salinity requirements, P. lineatus is considered an amphidromous marine catfish species that is known to enter estuaries and

November 2017 7

Marika, 07/17/18,

Comment from OATA: “According to Roy et al., (2015), the biogeographic regions considered to be threatened by Plotosus lineatus are the Mediterranean and Macaronesia regions. With this in mind, we would question the RA authors response that climatic conditions favourable to the establishment of P. lineatus are “currently met in all the EU biogeographical marine regions”. The European Environment Agency map given in our Annex 2 shows that the UK (and northerly EU Member States) falls within the Atlantic marine bioregion and given the differences in average sea surface temperatures and sea surface salinity (as indicated on the NASA maps given in our Annex 3) between both the Atlantic and Mediterranean marine bioregions and between the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific (the native habitat of this species), it is unlikely that this species could survive/establish in the Atlantic region. An indication of the climate zones as indicated by the Köppen-Geiger climate classification system is given in our Appendix 4.”Reply: As per the guidelines of this RA 1)The Macaronesian region is excluded from this RA, 2) the delineation of EU biogeographical regions and MSFD subregions we are advised to follow in this assessment is given in ANNEX 11.The text re where suitable climatic conditions are met has been amended; see previous comment.

Marika, 07/17/18,

This was an erroneous statement; it has been corrected.

Booy, Olaf (APHA), 05/23/18,

Not clear what is meant here? These conditions are not present in all marine regions (e.g. greater north sea)?

http://marine.copernicus.eu/services-portfolio/access-to-products/?option=com_csw&view=details&product_id=MEDSEA_REANALYSIS_PHYS_006_004


withstand brackish water conditions (Froese & Pauly, 2017). Job (1959) found that P. lineatus held in experimental conditions at 29 °C could tolerate salinities between 2-52 ppt. In fact, the metabolic performance of individuals (both juveniles and adults) acclimated at 12.5 ppt was higher than that of animals kept at 30ppt. Although specific information about salinity thresholds for reproduction and egg/larval survival was not found, there is evidence that P. lineatus is common in saline lakes, where salinity can drop to 26ppt (Wallis Lake, Australia – Glasby & van der Broek, 2010; Pitt & Kingsford, 2000) and is also commonly found in river estuaries in Singapore, with recorded salinities as low as 12 ppt (Goh & Goh, 1989; Sin et al., 1991). It is thus considered very likely to be able to penetrate the Strait of Marmara, where both its salinity and temperature requirements are met. Based on the above information, establishment in the Black Sea (salinities of 14-18 ppt) may also be possible but this prediction has a low certainty.It should also be noted that i n the Bay of Biscay establishment may occur only after a new introduction event via a human-mediated pathway (unaided dispersal is limited to southern Portugal). This event is not considered very likely (see Risk of Introduction section).Future climate conditions for mapping and distribution assessment purposes were considered as an overall 2 °C sea surface temperature (SST) increase by 2098, projected according to the RCP4.5 scenario of IPCC which corresponds to medium-high anthropogenic radiative forcing RF; an increase in SST of up to 3 °C is predicted

November 2017 8

Marika, 07/17/18,

Comment from OATA: “With regard to the RA authors reference to a study by Job (1958), we have been unable to find the corresponding citation in the References section of this risk assessment. Further, we note that the observations made by Job (1958 as cited by this risk assessment) were of animals held under experimental conditions i.e. under laboratory conditions. To ensure transparency, the RA authors should provide further details as to the exact nature of these experimental conditions.”Reply: The reference has been added in the literature section as Job (1959) and has been corrected throughout the document. The study describes the metabolism of Plotosus lineatus (P. anguillaris at the time) under a large range of experimental set-ups in terms of acclimation, experimental conditions, size of the animals etc., the description of which is beyond the scope of this document. The reader/reviewer is referred to the original study for the relevant details.


under the RCP8.5 scenario corresponding to high anthropogenic RF – IPCC AR5 report, 2013

3. In which EU member states has the species been recorded? List them with an indication of the timeline of observations.

None The species has been recorded from neighbouring countries and marine subregions of the EUIsrael – first record 2002 (Golani, 2002) - establishedEgypt – first record 2012 (Temraz & Ben Souissi, 2013) – establishedLebanon - 2012 (Bitar, 2013) - establishedTunisia – first record 2013 (Ounifi Ben Amor et al., 2016) - establishedSyria – first record 2014 (Ali et al., 2015) - established (Ali et al., 2017)Turkey – first record 2016 (Doğdu et al., 2016) - established (Cemal Turan, pers.comm.)

4. In which EU member states has this species established populations? List them with an indication of the timeline of establishment and spread.

None

5. In which EU member states could the species establish in the future under current climate and under foreseeable climate change?

Current climate: Cyprus, Greece, South Italy, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania

Foreseeable climate change: Cyprus, Greece, North Italy, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, France, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Romania

See comment in Q.2 about temperature requirements for successful reproduction. In a future scenario of temperature increase by 2 °C, these requirements will be met further north along the west coast of Portugal and for more prolonged periods in the summer

6. In which EU member states has this species shown signs of invasiveness?

None The species has not entered the risk assessment area. It has shown signs of invasiveness in neighbouring countries of the Levant (see Q.A6).

Israel (invasive)Venomous species, has caused injuries to fishermen and beachgoers in Israel (Gweta et al,

November 2017 9

Marika, 07/17/18,

The text has been amended

CAEN, 05/25/18,

Given answer is for Q A6. This question asked here is related to EU member states.

Marika, 07/17/18,

The words “north” and “south” have been deleted. The whole country is vulnerable to invasion, as indicated on the map of ANNEX 1.

CAEN, 05/25/18,

Please explain why only South Italy when it is written that species could establish in Slovenia and Croatia in Adriatic Sea? On the map in ANNEX 1. (Climatic conditions that allow the establishment of P. lineatus currently and under future climate change) whole Italy is marked as suitable habitat.

Marika, 07/17/18,

Content has been transferred

Croatian Agency for the Environment and Nature, 05/25/18,

Given answer is not for the asked question. Please put this answer to Q A5 about non-native distribution of the organism (including EU neighbouring countries).

Marika, 17/07/18,

Comment from OATA: “According to our searches of the invasive species databases DAISIE, EASIN, GRIIS and NOBANIS (see our Annex 1), there have been no records returned for any EU Member State in relation to Plotosus lineatus. We therefore note that the RA authors should have answered “None” in the Response box. In relation specifically to the UK, a search of the National Biodiversity Network Atlas returned no results for this species.”Reply: this is correct, see previous comment

Marika, 17/07/18,

Yes, this was added


Is the answer here none?


2008; Edelist et al., 2012)Predation on and competition with other fish species (Israel, Edelist et al. 2012).

7. In which EU member states could this species become invasive in the future under current climate and under foreseeable climate change?

Current climate: Cyprus, Greece, South Italy, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, Mediterranean France, Spain (Med), Portugal

Foreseeable climate change: Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, Mediterranean France, Spain (Med+ Atl), Portugal

Under the conditions mentioned above (Q2), the species could establish in the Black Sea and, with a low likelihood, in the Bay of Biscay. However, it is considered unlikely that it would become invasive. It is unlikely that the species will thrive in large numbers at the boundaries of areas of habitat suitability (Townhill et al., 2017).

Throughout its geographic range (venomous)See Additional questions - Climate change for more details

November 2017 10

Marika, 07/17/18,

The word South has been removed

CAEN, 05/25/18,

See comment CAEN2


SECTION A – Organism Information and Screening

Organism Information RESPONSE COMMENT

1. Identify the organism. Is it clearly a single taxonomic entity and can it be adequately distinguished from other entities of the same rank?

Phylum: Chordata, Class: Actinopterygii, Order: Siluriformes (catfish), Family: Plotosidae, Genus/species: Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787)

most common synonyms:Plotosus anguillaris (Bloch, 1794)Plotosus arab Bleeker, 1862

Other synonymsPlatystacus anguillaris Bloch, 1794Plotoseus ikapor Lesson, 1831Plotosus brevibarbus Bessednov, 1967Plotosus castaneoides Bleeker, 1851Plotosus castaneus Valenciennes, 1840Plotosus flavolineatus Whitley, 1941Plotosus lineatus Valenciennes, 1840Plotosus marginatus Anonymous [Bennett], 1830Plotosus thunbergianus Lacepède, 1803Plotosus vittatus Swainson, 1839Silurus arab Forsskål, 1775Silurus lineatus Thunberg, 1787

No varieties, breeds or hybrids are known.Other synonyms listed (FishBase, 2017) are not in use, neither in research or trade/commercial use.Possible species complex: in Bariche et al. (2015) “Distance trees of P. lineatus showed that genetic distances within this group were very large and probably indicated the presence of more than one species. This was supported by the presence, within this species complex, of a newly described species, Plotosus japonicus that was recently separated from P. lineatus (Yoshino & Kishimoto, 2008).Even though only P. lineatus is reported from the Red Sea and the study of Bariche et al. (2015) examined only 4 specimens of P. lineatus from Lebanon, the information is presented herein for future reference, in case a cryptic invasion is revealed by future molecular studies. Changes in nomenclature/identification resulting from both traditional and molecular studies are common for Mediterranean marine invaders (reviewed by Zenetos et al., 2017).

2. Provide information on the existence of other species that look very similar

Plotosus lineatus is the only member of the family Plotosidae reported in the Mediterranean (and the Red Sea).The four pairs of barbels together with the shape and colour of this catfish distinguish it from any other Mediterranean fish species (Otero et al., 2013)

There are no other Plotosus species that have been introduced outside of their native range. However, Plotosus limbatus (Valenciennes, 1840) and Paraplotosus albilabirs (Valenciennes, 1840) are also imported into the USA for ornamental purposes (aquariumtradedata.org, Rhyne et al., 2012).

November 2017 11


See Q.1 above for the possibility of a species complex.

3. Does a relevant earlier risk assessment exist? (give details of any previous risk assessment and its validity in relation to the EU)

No There is no previous full risk assessment, however P. lineatus was identified by the latest EU horizon scanning exercise (Roy et al., 2015) as a priority species, with the tenth highest score among species of all taxonomic groups.

4. Where is the organism native? Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan, southern Korea, and the Ogasawara Islands, south to Australia and Lord Howe Island. Palau and Yap in Micronesia. Sometimes enters freshwaters of East Africa (Lake Malawi) and Madagascar (FishBase, 2017).

This species lives in a variety of coastal benthic habitats, coral reefs, seagrass beds, estuaries and tide pools and open coast (Froese & Pauly, 2017). Juveniles forage in the daytime over sandy and muddy areas, algal beds, on and in coral reef structures and retire at night under reef/rock ledges or artificial structures; Plotosus lineatus adults are solitary or occur in small groups of up to 20. Adults are nocturnal and known to hide under ledges or caves during the day (Clark et al., 2011).it prefers rocky and hard bottom substrate (Fishbase, 2017), but also forages over sandy and muddy areas, especially at the juvenile stage It is an euryhaline species (Pucke & Umminger, 1979) that tolerates low salinities well (Job, 1959) and prefers warm waters (temperature range 21-29 °C according to OBIS records) (OBIS, 2017).

5. What is the global non-native distribution of the organism (excluding the Union, but including neighbouring European (non-Union) countries)?

Levantine Sea (Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey)Western Mediterranean ( Tunisia)

The species has been recorded from neighbouring countries and marine subregions of the EUIsrael – first record 2002 (Golani, 2002) - establishedEgypt – first record 2012 (Temraz & Ben Souissi, 2013) – establishedLebanon - 2012 (Bitar, 2013) - establishedTunisia – first record 2013 (Ounifi Ben Amor et al., 2016) - establishedSyria – first record 2014 (Ali et al., 2015) - established (Ali et al., 2017)

November 2017 12


Could maker reference to the EU horizon scanning exercise?


Turkey – first record 2016 (Doğdu et al., 2016) - established (Cemal Turan, pers.comm.)

6. Is the organism known to be invasive (i.e. to threaten organisms, habitats or ecosystems) anywhere in the world?

Yes It is a venomous species and has caused numerous injuries to fishermen and beachgoers in Israel (Gweta et al., 2008; Edelist et al., 2012; Bentur et al., 2017).It can reach considerable densities (up to 10% of trawl catches by number of individuals) and interferes with fisheries as a bycatch species (Edelist et al., 2012).At these densities predation and competition impacts are likely significant; Arndt et al. (2018) demonstrated a strong overlap in diet and habitat use preferences between P. lineatus and the native mullet species Mullus barbatus and Mullus surmuletus which have declined by approximately one order of magnitude in the shallow sandy coasts of Israel over the past 20 years. They concluded that P. lineatus, together with two non-indigenous Upeneus species, has likely contributed to the competitive exclusion of the two mullets from the region (Arndt et al., 2018).

it is believed to have outcompeted the native species of weeverfish Trachinus draco in Israel (Edelist et al, 2012).More specifically, Trachinus draco populations have decreased by two orders of magnitude in the shallow sandy coasts of Israel, concurrently with the population explosion of P.lineatus in the same habitat. It is quite possible that T.draco were competitively excluded by P.lineatus, as the two share several behavioural traits and trophic niche characteristics (both are venomous, inhabit shallow

November 2017 13

Marika, 07/23/18,

A more recent analysis of the diet and habitat preferences of Lessepsian vs native fish species based on the same trawl data as those used by Edelist et al. (2012) did not confirm this hypothesis (Arndt et al., 2018). Rather, it was concluded that the overlap in depth-range distribution, diet and habitat use between P. lineatus and T. draco was not very high. Furthermore, unpublished data from 2000 indicate that T.draco, had already declined along the Israeli coast between 1990–1994 and 2000, i.e. before P .lineatus appeared in the region (Edelist, pers. comm in Arndt et al., 2018). The authors concluded that “competitive exclusion [among the examined species] was only possible in the case of the native mullets Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus, caused by a group of non-indigenous ﬁshes comprising Upeneus spp. and P. lineatus.”. In light of these new findings the assessment of the environmental impacts (and the competitive interactions) of P. lineatus has been re-examined throughout the document.


substrata, and T. draco also prey upon benthic crustaceans and smaller fish) (Edelist et al., 2012)

7. Describe any known socio-economic benefits of the organism in the risk assessment area.

P. lineatus has a low socio-economic benefit to the EU.P. lineatus has commercial value in the aquarium industry (DEH-Australian Government, 2005). In Hong Kong it rated among the 25 most important aquarium species traded but yield commercial values at the low end of the price range (Chan and Sadovy, 2000). The species appears to be popular among aquarists in the US (Rhyne et al, 2012). In relation to the UK and Europe, the retail trade in this species is low (OATA, pers. comm, May 2018). OATA estimates that in relation to the UK, sales of individuals of this species would, depending on annual demand, be in the region of 300 individuals per annum. 20 to 50% of sales of this species are not to retail but to public aquaria and research institutions.

while no demand for P. lineatus was recorded through online surveys in the UK (Murray et al., 2014). However, there is no dedicated database for aquarium trade species in the EU, such that formal data cannot be obtained on the actual exploitation of this species for ornamental purposes. Yet, according to internet sources the species can be supplied to aquarists in European countries. From Aquaria stores internet sites it appears that its price in USA ranges between 12 and 20 USA $ each (http://www.liveaquaria.com, https://yourfishstore.com/) The species is currently displayed in public aquaria in Austria, Italy, Germany (x2), Monaco,

In its native range, P. lineatus is used in commercial fisheries. It is exploited by small scale fishers (Vijayakumaran 1997), and but it is considered of low value (Manikandarajan et al., 2014; Situ & Sadovy, 2004)).The species has been studied for potential biomedical applications (anti-tumor activity) of toxins found in the spines and epidermis (Shiomi et al., 1988; Fahim et al., 1996). This species has further been used in research in areas such as sibling recognition via chemoreception e.g. Matsumura et al., (2004) and its mitochondrial genome sequence, such as Ruan et al., (2016).

November 2017 14

Marika, 07/17/18,

In view of the added information, provided by OATA, the text describing the use of P. lineatus for research purposes is considered relevant for the Risk Assessment and is thus not removed.


This has nothing to do with advantages as an invading species. Remove.

Marika, 07/18/18,

Not entirely unlikely but this will be discussed in detail in subsequent sections


How likely is it that establishment in EU will lead to the species being harvested for aquaria purposes?

Marika, 07/17/18,

See added text.


I would say “no socio-economic benefit”.


Excellent, succinct response.

Marika, 07/17/18,

Q.A4 has been amended to include more detailed information on habitat use by this species. Hopefully it is now clearer that P. lineatus also use soft bottom habitats quite extensively, especially at the juvenile stage and when foraging.


Above it is described as a hard bottom species. How severe is competition with Trachinus draco, that mainly is a soft bottom species?

https://yourfishstore.com/

http://www.liveaquaria.com/


Malta, Poland, while in the past it has been on display in at least 9 11 more public aquaria (Annex 3).

November 2017 15


SECTION B – Detailed assessment

Important instructions: In the case of lack of information the assessors are requested to use a standardized answer: “No information has been found.” For detailed explanations of the CBD pathway classification scheme consult the IUCN/CEH guidance document. With regard to the scoring of the likelihood of events or the magnitude of impacts see Annex With regard to the confidence levels, see Annex.

PROBABILITY OF INTRODUCTION and ENTRY

Important instructions: Introduction is the movement of the species into the EU. Entry is the release/escape/arrival in the environment, i.e. occurrence in the wild. Not to be confused with spread, the movement of an organism

within Europe. For organisms which are already present in Europe, only complete this section for current active or if relevant potential future pathways. This section

need not be completed for organisms which have entered in the past and have no current pathway of introduction and entry.

QUESTION RESPONSE[chose one entry, delete all others]

CONFIDENCE[chose one entry, delete all others]

COMMENT

1.1. How many active pathways are relevant to the potential entry of this organism?

(If there are no active pathways or potential future pathways respond N/A and move to the Establishment section)

few - 43 highCORRIDOR-introduction via the Suez Canal is the primary pathway- not considered here because the species has already been introduced – recipient countries are located in the Levantine basin.UNAIDED Natural dispersal across borders from neighbouring countries, where the species has been introduced (Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia)RELEASE IN NATURE: Other intentional release (from private aquaria) ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT

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Marika, 07/17/18,

Pathways are renamed according to the suggested document.


According to IUCN (2017) “The Pet / aquarium / terrarium species pathway may be confused with the Other intentional release pathway in situations where pet owners or hobbyists have allowed fauna to escape or have actively released the species into the wild. However, as mentioned in the description above these situations are considered ‘facilitated’ escapes and should still be assigned to the Pet / aquarium / terrarium species pathway.”Please rename this pathway to ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT: Pet/aquarium/terrarium species.IUCN. 2017. Guidance for interpretation of CBD categories on introduction pathways. Technical note prepared by IUCN for the European Commission.

Marika, 07/17/18,

Comment from OATA: “In relation to pathways of transmission into the EU and particularly corridors, whilst we acknowledge that the RA authors state that introduction via the Suez Canal is the primary pathway, we would disagree that this pathway is not considered given that the species has already been introduced into the Levantine basin. We consider that this pathway must be considered as it is, and will continue to be, the most active pathway of transmission given that it will enable a continuous influx of non-native species into the eastern Mediterranean. Given that this species is also used for research, for a comprehensive view, we believe that research institutions should be included under ‘Escape from Confinement’ (although possible, the likelihood would be low).”Reply: Following reviewers’ comments (OATA/OFI/EPO) and discussion with the EC, it was decided that the Corridor pathway (Suez Canal) should be fully assessed – see following section.


Pet/aquarium/terrarium species (intentional release)ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENTPet/aquarium/terrarium species Botanical gardens/zoo/aquaria (unintentional release)

1.2. List relevant pathways through which the organism could enter. Where possible give detail about the specific origins and end points of the pathways as well as a description of the associated commodities.

For each pathway answer questions 1.3 to 1.10 (copy and paste additional rows at the end of this section as necessary). Please attribute unique identifiers to each question if you consider more than one pathway, e.g. 1.3a, 1.4a, etc. and then 1.3b, 1.4b etc. for the next pathway.

CORRIDOR (Interconnected waterways, basins & seas – Suez Canal)

UNAIDED (natural dispersal from neighbouring countries)

RELEASE IN NATURE: Other intentional releaseESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT Pet/aquarium/terrarium species

ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT: Pet/aquarium/terrarium speciesBotanical gardens/zoo/aquaria and Research/ex-situ breeding

very likely

very likely

possible

possible

primary pathway

secondary pathway

primary pathway- from domesticprivate aquaria

primary pathway - public/private aquaria and research facilities/Unintentional

Pathway name: CORRIDOR (Interconnected waterways, basins & seas – Suez Canal)

1.3a. Is entry along this pathway intentional (e.g. the

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Marika, 07/17/18,

OK


As seen from the answers below (Q 1.3c – 1.10c), subcategory for this pathway should be ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT: Botanical gardens/ zoo/ aquaria (excluding domestic aquaria). Please rename this pathway through entire document.

Marika, 07/17/18,

Please see comment above and the relevant guidance document (IUCN, 2017). Even if a pathway of introduction is concluded to be unlikely, it should still be assessed.


Highly unlikely! Any release would be from the aquarium trade.


organism is imported for trade) or accidental (the organism is a contaminant of imported goods)?

(If intentional, only answer questions 1.4, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11)

unintentional very high

1.4a. How likely is it that large numbers of the organism will travel along this pathway from the point(s) of origin over the course of one year?

Subnote: In your comment discuss how likely the organism is to get onto the pathway in the first place.Subnote: In your comment discuss the volume of movement along this pathway.

very likely very highP. lineatus is a Lessepsian immigrant, present in the Suez Gulf and Suez Canal since the 1930’s (Chabanaud, 1932). The species has demersal eggs and demersal larvae (Leis, 1991, Moriuchi & Dotsu 1973). Its fecundity ranges from 525 to 1176 eggs per year (Heo et al., 2007) and spawning in both the native and the invaded rangeIsrael occurs in the summer (Edelist et al., 2012 and references therein). The demersal larvae are likely to be carried by bottom currents for some distance but still remain nearshore (Leis, 1993) until they reach the juvenile free swimming stage (10-15 days), after which they start swarming, i.e. form large “balls” consisting of hundreds of juveniles. Adults are solitary or move in small groups, of up to 20 individuals. Dispersal along the Suez Canal for this species is thus assumed to occur through active swimming and is not affected by changes in current direction in the Canal (from winter to early summer the current flows from the Gulf of Suez to the Mediterranean; a complete reversal occurs in September when the current flows through the Canal from the Mediterranean into the Gulf of Suez; during the summer, changes in current direction transport water into the Bitter Lakes – Morcos, 1975).Even if eradicated in the Mediterranean Sea (both inside and outside the EU) the likelihood of reinvasion in the first recipient countries (Egypt, Israel) and hence its spread in the rest EU countries is very high.

1.5a. How likely is the organism to survive during passage along the pathway (excluding management practices that very likely very high

The organism has already successfully crossed the Suez Canal in numbers sufficient for successful establishment

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would kill the organism)?

Subnote: In your comment consider whether the organism could multiply along the pathway.

in the Mediterranean Sea. Since it belongs to the resident fauna of the canal it can both survive and multiply along this pathway.

1.6a. How likely is the organism to survive existing management practices during passage along the pathway? very likely very high

There are currently no management practices that can prevent the survival of marine invasive species during their passage along the Suez Canal (Galil et al., 2017).

1.7a. How likely is the organism to enter Europe undetected?

NA (RA area)

very likely (neighbouring countries)

high

The organism will not enter the risk assessment area directly through this pathway but through natural dispersal from neighbouring countries. Given that the first record in the Mediterranean Sea was from Israel in 2002 (Golani, 2002), but P. lineatus was detected in Egypt only in 2012 (Temraz & Ben Souissi, 2013), the organism may remain undetected for a considerable time after its passage through the Suez Canal, depending on location and research effort. New introductions through this pathway will likely be indistinguishable from already established populations, unless genetic studies are conducted.

1.8a. How likely is the organism to arrive during the months of the year most appropriate for establishment? likely high

Adults can cross the Suez Canal at any time of the year. Spawning in the native and invaded range takes place in late spring and summer; thus, reproductive adults and juveniles are more likely to arrive in the summer and early autumn respectively. Since the passive early life stages of P. lineatus only last approximately 10-15 days, after which free swimming begins, dispersal along this pathway is not constrained by current direction.

1.9a. How likely is the organism to be able to transfer from the pathway to a suitable habitat or host? very likely very high

The pathway itself constitutes suitable habitat. Given the generalist habitat preferences of P. lineatus, suitable habitats abound in the recipient region.

1.10a. Estimate the overall likelihood of entry into Europe based on this pathway?

NA (RA area)very likely (neighbouring

very highThe organism will not enter the risk assessment area directly through this pathway but through natural dispersal from neighbouring countries. It has already

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countries) entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and has established successful populations in the East Mediterranean. This pathway is still active and repeated introductions are considered very likely.

End of pathway assessment, repeat as necessary.

Pathway name: UNAIDED Natural dispersal across borders of invasive alien species that have been introduced through other pathways

1.3b. Is entry along this pathway intentional (e.g. the organism is imported for trade) or accidental (the organism is a contaminant of imported goods)?


unintentional very high Since it was first reported in the Mediterranean (Israel, Golani 2002), the species has been recorded in neighbouring countries (Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia), hence its natural dispersal in marine (sub)regions of the risk assessment area is confirmed.

1.4b. How likely is it that large numbers of the organism will travel along this pathway from the point(s) of origin over the course of one year?


very likely very highP.lineatus has demersal eggs and demersal larvae (Leis, 1991, Moriuchi & Dotsu 1973). It reaches sexual maturity after 1-3 years (Thresher 1984), its fecundity ranges from 525 to 1176 eggs per year (Heo et al., 2007) and spawning in Israel occurs in the summer (Edelist et al., 2012). The demersal larvae are likely to be carried by bottom currents for some distance but still remain nearshore (Leis, 1993) until they reach the juvenile free swimming stage (10-15 days), after which they start swarming, i.e. form large “balls” consisting of hundreds of juveniles. These swarms can move hundreds of meters in one hour while feeding over sand and when they rest for the night they do not necessarily return to the point where they started in the day (Clark et al., 2011). In this manner, juveniles of P. lineatus may cover considerable distances over suitable habitats in the time it takes to reach maturity (1-3 years). Adults return to shallow waters to breed and deposit the eggs in the sand, under rocks or other debris (more refs Thresher, 1984). Riede (2004) characterizes P. lineatus as amphidromous, with

November 2017 20


migrations that can cover more than 100 km.Edelist et al. (2012) and Occhipinti-Ambrogi & Galil (2010) have reported considerable populations of P. lineatus juveniles (and adults) along the coast of Israel (total numbers in the order of 1000-10000 in trawl surveys).In Tunisia, there are fewer reported specimens, hence propagule pressure is considered to be much lower.P.lotosus lineatus is a Lessepsian immigrant, present in the Suez Gulf and Suez Canal since the 1930’s (Chabanaud, 1932). Even if the species is eradicated in the Mediterranean Sea (both inside and outside the EU) the likelihood of reinvasion in the first recipient countries (Egypt, Israel) and hence its spread in the rest EU countries is very high.

1.5b. How likely is the organism to survive during passage along the pathway (excluding management practices that would kill the organism)?


very likely very highThe current natural dispersal of P. lineatus from the Suez Canal to along the Levantine coast is unequivocal evidence that the species is able to survive and reproduce along this pathway (Golani, 2002), establishing populations along the way at suitable habitats and depths (0-83m) (Edelist et al., 2012).However, due to theits demersal nature, swarming behaviour and large dependency of the juveniles on benthic prey resources, dispersal is anticipated mainly during the adult phase over deep water may prevent it from crossing large distances over deep water at the juvenile stage (see Clark et al., 2011).

1.6b. How likely is the organism to survive existing management practices during passage along the pathway? very likely very high

No management practices are in place concerning natural dispersal that can affect the organism’s ability to survive along this pathway (personal communication with regional experts: Dr.Branko Dragičević (Croatia), Dr. Lovrenc Lipej (Slovenia), Dr. Francisco Alemany (Spain), Dr. Franco Andaloro, Dr. Ernesto Azzurro (Italy), Dr. Alan Deidun, Dr. Patrick Schembri (Malta), Dr. Michel Bariche (Lebanon).

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Marika, 07/18/18,

Ok, see amended text


True, rephrase that dispersal is mainly anticipated during the adult phase.


Relevant? Focus should be on dispersal and establishment within the Mediterranean Sea


Reformulate, no complete sentence.


First confirmed record in 2012!?


1.7b. How likely is the organism to enter Europe undetected? moderately likely medium

P. lineatus is expected to arrive to Cyprus, Greece, Italy (Sicily) and possibly France (Corsica), South Spain, where it will most likely first be detected by trawl fishermen (similarly to its first record in the Mediterranean by Israeli fishermen – Golani, 2002), or divers (Ali et al., 2015, Dogdu et al., 2016). P. lineatus inclusion in the EU HORIZON scanning list (Roy et al., 2015) and recently in the Cypriot Horizon scanning (RISKY project) has raised great scientific interest into this species, which may increase the likelihood of detection. Researchers know to look for it during surveys such as in MEDITS (International bottom trawl survey in the Mediterranean Sea, aimed at conducting co-ordinated surveys from bottom trawling in the Mediterranean). Some delays in the detection may occur depending on survey/monitoring efforts and frequency and specific fisheries restrictions, temporal or spatial, such that the first introduction events are unlikely to be detected (spawning and recruitment take place in the summer, when e.g. fisheries restrictions in the Mediterranean are generally in place).Moreover, raising awareness in Greece has been attempted at various levels (meeting of stakeholders, NGOs, and citizen scientists). Relevant initiatives such as within ELNAIS (http://elnais.hcmr.gr/), ARCHIPELAGOS (http://archipelago.gr/) iSea (http://isea.com.gr/el/ ], greatly aid to the early detection of alien species. The possibility of P. lineatus entering Greek waters has been advertised through media channels including newspapers and maagazines. Regarding other European countries, aside from the implementation of the relevant EU directives, communication with local experts informed us of the existence of formal and informal networks of scientists

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Marika, 18/07/18,

Score changed to “likely”, see also added text


It will most likely not be noticed until it is established. Very likely!


with various stakeholders (fishermen, divers, naturalists, etc.) operate in many Mediterranean countries for the early detection of alien species. (pers.comm. with regional experts – Annex 5).

1.8b. How likely is the organism to arrive during the months of the year most appropriate for establishment? very likely very high

Spawning in the native range and Israel occurs in the summer (June-July) (Heo et al., 2007; Edelist et al., 2012), and recruitment follows soon after (larval lifespan approximately 10-15 days, see also Q1.4a, 1.4b). dispersal takes place at appropriate times of the year. Thus, reproductive adults and juveniles are more likely to arrive in the summer.

1.9b. How likely is the organism to be able to transfer from the pathway to a suitable habitat or host? very likely very high

During natural dispersal, organisms usually arrive and settle in suitable habitats or move on and if no suitable habitat is found within their maximum larval lifespan perish. However, its demersal nature, swarming behaviour and large dependency on benthic prey resources may prevent it from crossing large distances with over deep waters at the juvenile stage (see Clark et al., 2011).

1.10b. Estimate the overall likelihood of entry into Europe based on this pathway? very likely very high

The likelihood of entry into the risk assessment area from neighbouring areas by unaided natural dispersal is very high.


Pathway name: RELEASE IN NATURE: Other intentional release

ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT Pet/aquarium/terrarium species1.3c. Is entry along this pathway intentional (e.g. the organism is imported for trade) or accidental (the organism is a contaminant of imported goods)?


intentional very highThis pathway represents situations where pet owners or hobbyists have allowed fauna to escape or have actively released the species into the wild. This is considered a “facilitated” escape and is assigned to the Pet / aquarium / terrarium species pathway (IUCN, 2017).

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Marika, 23/07/18,

Comment from OATA: “…we would disagree with the assessment that the confidence level of this pathway is ‘Very High’, when in fact it would be very low.”Reply: The confidence level here refers to our certainty that entry along this pathway is intentional or unintentional; it is not scoring the “importance” of the pathway for the introduction of the species


And the alternative is!?

Marika, 07/18/18,

Please see added text


Specify!


Rephrase


An internet search has revealed that the majority of marine fish suppliers are based in USA, but there are branches in EU countries. Plotosus lineatus is in stock and can be shipped worldwide including EU destinations https://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productDetail.asp?did=1&cid=291&pid=923 http://www.dejongmarinelife.nl/shoppinglist/index) has installment in Turkey and supplies France and Italy at 25$ each.Unwanted species kept in private aquaria may be intentionally released in the sea.

In addition it may be released in marine parks and diving sites to attract amateur divers (see Annex 3).

1.4c. How likely is it that large numbers of the organism will travel along this pathway from the point(s) of origin over the course of one year?


unlikely mediumGlobalization together with rapid growth of trade and tourism has offered more opportunities for fish species to be spread both intentionally and accidentally.

A study of the marine ornamental fish trade in the EU (Leal et al., 2015) revealed that five countries alone accounted for 85% of all value of marine ornamental fish imported to the EU: United Kingdom (UK), Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands. This value represents not only national sales within each country but also re-export to other countries (Leal et al., 2015). For example, the Dutch company De Jong Marinelife http://www.dejongmarinelife.nl/shoppinglist/index) has installment in Turkey and supplies France and Italy with P. lineatus at 25$ each.Even though P. lineatus is a popular ornamental species in the US (Rhyne et al., 2012), in the UK and Europe,

November 2017 24


Why mention tourism? Off topic.

Marika, 01/08/18,

Considering the last sentence in this comment “If a swarm is released, a small number of juveniles may be sufficient to allow the establishment of the species under suitable conditions.”, we keep the score as unikely


Maybe ‘very unlikely’ that large numbers would travel on this pathway (and end up in the wild) within a year?


Only this statement fall under pathway RELEASE IN NATURE: Other intentional release, while all other comments (about release from private aquaria) are for pathway ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT: Pet/aquarium/terrarium species. Please correct pathway subcategories.

Marika, 07/24/18,

In response to the reviewers’ comments (see also comment in p.4 of the joint response from OATA/EPO/OFI), this has been removed. We still think it is not entirely unlikely but we do not have sufficient evidence to rigorously assess it as a potential pathway

https://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productDetail.asp?did=1&cid=291&pid=923

https://www.bluezooaquatics.com/productDetail.asp?did=1&cid=291&pid=923


the retail trade in this species is low (OATA, pers. comm, May 2018). The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association representing retailers in the UK (OATA) estimates that in relation to the UK, sales of individuals of this species would, depending on annual demand, be in the region of 300 individuals per annum. 20 to 50% of sales of this species are not to retail but to public aquaria and research institutions (OATA, pers.comm.). Thus, we deduce that, for the UK, 150-240 individuals would be sold per year to hobby aquarists through aquarium shops. Based on Leal et al (2015) it is reasonable to expect that a non-negligible number of specimens is also circulated in the aquarium trade not only of the top 5 countries mentioned in that study but also in other EU countries that import from them. OATA deduces that within the retail trade, there would be a very niche market for this species, which would be recommended only for specific types of marine reef aquaria.

P. lineatus is a popular ornamental aquarium species for hobbyists worldwide and it is possible that specimens could be collected from the wild and sold for private and public aquaria facilitating involuntary dispersion-secondary vector of introduction (there is anecdotal information that this is already happening for other ornamental invasives in the Mediterranean, such as Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) and Sargocentron rubrum (Forsskål, 1775). However not much is known about the numbers of the species circulated in the aquarium trade in the EU.Intentional release from private aquaria in marine parks and diving sites for amateur divers and recreational fishing is also a possibility. (see Annex 3).In captivity P. lineatus juveniles are usually kept in

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Marika, 07/30/18,

This statement has been removed. Annex 3 refers to such an incident but with a different aquarium species. We still think it is not entirely unlikely that the same could happen with P. lineatus but we do not have sufficient evidence to rigorously assess it as a potential pathway.

Booy, Olaf, 05/23/18,

Annex 3 suggests this did happen in Cyprus (rather than just being a possibility). I think it would be good to make this clear and perhaps discuss in a bit more detail – is this kind of activity common? Are there other instances, or was it a one off?

Marika, 07/24/18,

This has been removed, see also comment in Q1.3c


Worth mentioning?


Also in EU? This is contrary to what is said above about trade.

Marika, 07/18/18,

Comment from OATA: “With respect to the ornamental retail trade to hobby aquarists, the trade in Plotosus lineatus is low, given that it is not a popular retail species within the marine reef aquarist community. The reasons for this can be attributed to factors such as the size that adult fish can attain (over 20 to 25 cm), and that as an individual matures, it loses its distinctive black and white markings which become more muted. There is also anecdotal evidence that this species is sensitive to copper-based treatments. Therefore, within the retail trade, there would be a very niche market for this species.”


small swarms. If a swarm is released, a small number of juveniles may be sufficient to allow the establishment of the species under suitable conditions.

1.9c. How likely is the organism to be able to transfer from the pathway to a suitable habitat or host? likely medium

If intentionally released in the wild, P . lineatus, as a habitat generalist, will likely be able to successfully transfer to a suitable habitat.

1.10c. Estimate the overall likelihood of entry into Europe based on this pathway? moderately likely medium

Plotosus lineatus can be purchased and kept in private aquaria in all EU countries. Unwanted animals released in marine waters can easily survive and find a suitable habitat in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and a limited area of the Iberian coast and the Bay of Biscay. However, given the relatively low numbers of the species in the aquarium trade, the likelihood of entry into Europe based on this pathway is not very high. not much is known about the numbers of the species circulated in the aquarium trade in the EU.


Pathway name: ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT: Pet/aquarium/terrarium species Unintentional Botanical gardens/ zoo/ aquaria (excluding domestic aquaria) and Research/Ex-situ breeding

1.3d. Is entry along this pathway intentional (e.g. the organism is imported for trade) or accidental (the organism is a contaminant of imported goods)?


unintentional highThe species can escape from public aquaria or research facilities based near the sea.P .lineatus is used as an experimental organism in research (See Q.7 in Section A for some examples), although spatial information regarding volume of movement along this pathway and the possibility of escapees to transfer to a suitable habitat is lacking .

1.4d. How likely is it that large numbers of the organism will travel along this pathway from the point(s) of origin over the course of one year?


unlikely highmedium

See Q1.4b for the RELEASE pathwayA query was addressed to the European Union Aquarium Curators (EUAC) members and other Aquarium curators, about the display of P. lineatus. (Annex 3).Out of 108 recipients, 43 replied. Of those, 18 mentioned that P. lineatus has been or still is (in seven 7 cases) on display. These are: Haus des Meeres Vienna,

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Marika, 07/23/18,

Text has been added


That is 3 aquaria where release may occur to potentially suitable habita:. Genova, Monaco, Malta.

Marika, 07/26/18,

Please note that a new version of the table has been included. The information regarding public aquaria in the vicinity of coastal cities surrounded by suitable habitat has not changed, i.e. three aquaria are still relevant for accidental escape: Malta, Genova and Monaco.

Marika, 23/07/18,

See added text


Why not ‘very unlikely’ given low numbers and no evidence this has occurred in the past?


Marika, 07/23/18,

Comment from OATA: “Given that this species is also used for research, for a comprehensive view, we believe that research institutions should be included under ‘Escape from Confinement’ (although possible, the likelihood would be low).Reply: This has been added

Marika, 29/07/18,

New information has been included in the RA; given this, we consider that medium is an appropriate level of confidence.


Should perhaps be low, given comment about not much being known.

Marika, 23/07/18,

No, there is no such evidence; considering the new information added the score has been amended


Seems high. Is there any evidence that intentional introduction has resulted in the invasion of this species elsewhere in the world?


Probably not were likely


Genova Aquarium, Aquarium Zoo Berlin, Aquarium Oceanographic Museum Monaco, Malta National Aquarium, Zoo Leipzig GmbH, Akvarium Gdinskie (Gdynia).,), That is 3 aquaria (that we know of) where release may occur to potentially suitable habitat: Genova, Monaco, Malta. In the remaining 11 positive responses, P. lineatus was kept for display for 1-8 years. We note that this is based on a response rate of 40% from the European Union Aquarium Curators, thus some uncertainty remains as to the presence of the species in a large number of EU public aquaria.Information was also provided by EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) on populations kept at approximately 300 of their Member zoos and aquariums in 26 EU Member States (with the exceptions of Cyprus and Malta). The information provided by EAZA (EAZA, 2018 pers. comm.) indicates that 15 specimens in total are kept by 1 zoos/aquariums EAZA Members in 1 Member States (Denmark).Moreover, the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association representing retailers in the UK (OATA) estimates that in relation to the UK, sales of individuals of this species to public aquaria and research institutions would be in the region of 60-150 individuals per year (OATA, pers.comm,, May 2018 – see also Q1.4c).In any case if an accidental escape occurs, it will be only small numbers of the organism that travel along this pathway.

1.5d. How likely is the organism to survive during passage along the pathway (excluding management practices that would kill the organism)?


likely highAccording to the personal account of an aquarium curator, P. lineatus has the ability to successfully reproduce and reach the juvenile stage in aquarium conditions. Juveniles were found in a sand filter outside the species’ exhibition tank (Lars Skou Olsen, pers.comm., see also Annex 6).

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1.6d. How likely is the organism to survive existing management practices during passage along the pathway? moderately likely

unlikelyhigh

Article 3 of the EU Zoos Directive recognizes that for aquatic species, it is paramount to prevent incidental escapes from the water. A first line of actions is to secure enclosures against animal escape. In large public aquaria, circulation systems are closed. The recirculated water in the tanks is continuously filtered and disinfected (UV, ozonation, skimmers, etc.). At regular intervals, a part of the seawater is renewed. The water changed and discharged outside, is always subjected by law to strictly disinfection and filtration before outlet (both for coastal and inland aquaria). Consequently, assuming compliance with regulations, the probability that eggs or larvae survive is zero. Also, all equipment should be disinfected, mainly for parasites and diseases. However, in public small open or semi-open circulation system aquaria displaying tropical organisms, if the outlet is in the sea or near the sea and is not subjected to control, or cleaning equipment is not appropriate, there is some probability to discharge eggs or larvae. Generally, in Mediterranean countries, the cost to warm continuously the water for tropical species in open-systems is too high, so these aquaria avoid showing these species or they use close circulation system tanks in these special cases.In small aquaria displaying to the public a series of tropical small fish they use LSS, Life Support System (Biological and mechanical filter, UV lamp and skimmer). Accidental escape or cleaning operation without appropriate disinfection may be a risk.

1.7d. How likely is the organism to enter Europe undetected? moderately likely

likelymedium

If released individuals accidentally escape from aquaria, it can be expected that specimens show up in marine habitats. This could be expected for Aquaria located in the vicinity of coastal cities surrounded by suitable

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Rephrase


Why not unlikely?


habitat, such as: Genova Aquarium, Aquarium Oceanographic Museum Monaco, Malta National Aquarium. and Gdinya Aquarium.Considering the public awareness on the species, stakeholdres (e.g. citizen scientists, divers, fishermen) will easily are likely to be able to detect it, although detection maywill probably not occur for some time.

1.8d. How likely is the organism to arrive during the months of the year most appropriate for establishment? likely medium

It depends on the frequency of cleaning operations.Considering high numbers of juveniles produced, and responses above, it would be this life stage that is most likely to enter the RAA through this pathway.

1.9d. How likely is the organism to be able to transfer from the pathway to a suitable habitat or host? likely medium

Such an event is possible if the organism escapes from a facility that operates and has an outlet in or near the sea without appropriate management practices.

1.10d. Estimate the overall likelihood of entry into Europe based on this pathway? moderately likely medium

P. lineatus is or has been displayed in numerous large public aquaria in Europe, and is used as an experimental organism in research. It is assumed that large public aquaria and research facilities follow strict biosecurity measures in accordance with legislation. Accidental escape of eggs or larvae through failure in management measures is considered more likely in smaller public or private aquaria, for whichhile the little available information on small public and private aquaria (OATA, Q 1.4d) does not have a spatial component. Moreover, the species can reproduce in captivity and survive outside its exhibition tankit is known to have escaped its exhibition tank at least on one occasion (P. lineatus larvae originating from the exhibition tank had grown into juveniles in a sand filter in Tivoli aquarium, DK – Annex 5). A failure in management measures may result in the accidental entry of the organism into European Seas. it is therefore considered likely to enter into Europe based on accidental escape from aquaria.


November 2017 29

Marika, 07/30/18,

We have removed the statement: “it is known to have escaped its exhibition tank at least on one occasion”. The personal communication by the aquarium curator Lars Skou Olsen (Annex 6) refers to an incident where P. lineatus larvae originating from the exhibition tank had grown into juveniles in a sand filter in Tivoli aquarium. This does not constitute an escape but indicates that a failure in management measures (e.g. cleaning operation without appropriate disinfection) is likely to result in the accidental escape of eggs or larvae of the organismSee amended text.


This is important information that I can’t see above (e.g. in 1.4c or 1.5c. Is there a reference for the escape? How did it happen? Could it have resulted in an established population?

Marika, 07/23/18,

Please see Q1.5d and Annex 6

CAEN, 05/25/18,

Please provide reference for this statement.

Marika, 07/30/18,

We have removed the statement: “it is known to have escaped its exhibition tank at least on one occasion”. The personal communication by the aquarium curator Lars Skou Olsen (Annex 6) refers to an incident where P. lineatus larvae originating from the exhibition tank had grown into juveniles in a sand filter in Tivoli aquarium. This does not constitute an escape but indicates that a failure in management measures (e.g. cleaning operation without appropriate disinfection) is likely to result in the accidental escape of eggs or larvae of the organismPlease see amended text


No indication of escapers.

Marika, 07/23/18,

ok

Marika, 07/23/18,

Comment from OATA: “ Given the RA authors response in question 1.4d and the fact that the figures they present suggest that 18% of public aquaria who responded currently have P. lineatus on display, we would suggest that the word ‘numerous’ is removed until such time as more substantive evidence is available.”

Marika, 30/07/18,

Score has changed to moderately likley


Likely seems high given the rest of the comments in this section – although if more detail can be provided about escapes that have happened in the pat it may be justified.

Marika, 30/07/18,

Ok, changed to moderately likely


Moderately likely, or Unlikely

Marika, 07/23/18,

Ok, the score has been amended


This will never happen in time when it comes to aquatic species.

Marika, 07/23/18,

Ok, Gdinya Aquarium has been removed from the sentence.


Highly unlikely that the species will thrive in Southeastern Baltic Sea

Marika, 07/23/18,

See amended text

Marika, 07/23/18,

Comment from OATA: “ We note that based on th e figures provided by the RA authors in relation to their response rate from the European Union Aquarium Curators, that their response rate was 36% and of those who replied, the percentage of those with Plotosus lineatus currently on public display was 18%. These being located in Austria, Italy, Germany (x 2), Monaco, Malta and Poland. Therefore, of these seven, 43% of these are located in areas which would fall within the Mediterranean bioregion i.e. Italy, Monaco and Malta.


1.11. Estimate the overall likelihood of entry into Europe based on all pathways in relevant biogeographical regions in current conditions (comment on the key issues that lead to this conclusion).

very likely very highP. lineatus is already proliferating through natural dispersal within marine ecoregions of the EU, having established important populations in EU neighbouring countries. Moreover, its primary pathway of introduction (i.e. the Suez Canal) is still active and will likely provide continuous propagule pressure to recipient countries (Israel, Egypt).However, Parallel introduction events via aquarium trade (accidental or intentional release) and /or as escapee from public/private aquaria and research facilities are also a possibility (albeit not very likely) that may not have as notable an effect as natural dispersal but nevertheless increase the number of potential entry points for the species. should be seriously considered as pathways of its introduction.

1.12. Estimate the overall likelihood of entry into Europe based on all pathways in relevant biogeographical regions in foreseeable climate change conditions?

very likely very highP. lineatus is an Indo-Pacific species that entered the Mediterranean during the latest, intense wave of Lessepsian immigration Erythrean invasions in the 2000’s. This was linked to increased maximum and minimum temperatures of the previous decade (thermal regime shift – Raitsos et al., 2010) and the increased salinities associated with the East Mediterranean Transient event that subsided in the late 1990’s (Theoharis 1999). It is foreseen that the species is very likely to enter the risk assessment area under current conditions via all the aforementioned pathways. However In addition, future warming of the Mediterranean is expected to favour it even more.

November 2017 30

Marika, 07/23/18,

Ok, removed


Why introduce this concept here? Synonym to Lessepsian immigration!?

Marika, 07/23/18,

See added text


It may happen, but unlikely that it will have any notable effect, especially compared to second dary dispersal within the Mediterraneean.


PROBABILITY OF ESTABLISHMENT

Important instructions: For organisms which are already established in parts of the Union, answer the questions with regard to those areas, where the species is not yet

established. If the species is established in all Member States, continue with Question 1.16.

QUESTION RESPONSE CONFIDENCE COMMENT1.13. How likely is it that the organism will be able to establish in the EU based on the similarity between climatic conditions in Europe and the organism’s current distribution?

very likely very highP. lineatus is already established in most of the Levantine coast, neighboring EU marine subregions. Cyprus and the southern Aegean islands of Greece (southern Crete, some of the Dodecanese islands) belong to the same Mediterranean subregion characterized by similar climatic conditions. The same applies for the northern coast of Tunisia and western Sicily, which belong to the same subregion (Western Mediterranean Sea).

1.14. How likely is it that the organism will be able to establish in the EU based on the similarity between other abiotic conditions in Europe and the organism’s current distribution?

very likely very highThe ability of P.lineatus to live survive in a variety of coastal habitats with a wide range of salinities (estuaries, lagoons, sandy and rocky bottoms, shallow and open seas) down to 83 m (Job, 1959; Clark et al., 2011; Edelist et al., 2012) along with the widespread availability of these habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Iberian-Bay of Biscay make its establishment very likely. See also Q2 - Chapeau

1.15. How likely is it that the organism will become established in protected conditions (in which the environment is artificially maintained, such as wildlife parks, glasshouses, aquaculture facilities, terraria, zoological gardens) in Europe?

Subnote: gardens are not considered protected conditions

likely mediumAccording to the personal account of an aquarium curator, (Lars Skou Olsen, curator of Tivoli Aquarium Denmark, pers, comm, May 2017) P. lineatus has the ability to successfully reproduce and reach the juvenile stage in aquarium conditions (the species was not intentionally bred in that particular case).

November 2017 31

Marika, 18/07/18,

Comment from OATA: “It should be noted that as per Roy et al., (2015), the two bioregions considered to be at risk were identified as being the Mediterranean and Macaronesia bioregions and that this should have been stated by the RA authors.”Reply: The Risk Assessment Area is the European Union (excluding the outermost regions) as stated in page 2. Thus, the Macaronesia bioregion is excluded from this assessment.


1.16. How widespread are habitats or species necessary for the survival, development and multiplication of the organism in Europe?

widespread very highP. lineatus live and reproduce in a variety of coastal habitats with a wide range of salinities (estuaries, lagoons, sandy and rocky bottoms, shallow and open seas) down to 83 m. These habitats are widespread in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the Iberian -Bay of Biscay.

1.17. If the organism requires another species for critical stages in its life cycle then how likely is the organism to become associated with such species in Europe?

NA P. lineatus does not require another species for completion of its life cycle, except for prey, which is abundantly available in the preferred habitats.

1.18. How likely is it that establishment will occur despite competition from existing species in Europe? very likely high

Based on the analysis of diet and habitat use related traits, P. lineatus has been implicated in the competitive exclusion of M. barbatus and M. surmuletus from soft-sediment habitats in Israel (Arndt et al., 2018 – see also QA.6). In the same study it is demonstrated that P. lineatus has overlapping feeding and habitat use habits with a number of other native Mediterranean fishes in the area. Besides the two mullet species, moderate to strong overlap was observed with Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Merluccius merluccius and Uranoscopus scaber with respect to habitat use and with Lithognathus mormyrus and Trachinus draco with respect to diet/feeding habits. The organism has successfully established despite this overlap, it is thus assumed to be a successful competitor.

P. lineatus is believed to have outcompeted weaverfish Trachinus draco (Linnaeus, 1758) in Israel, with which they compete for food and habitat (Edelist et al., 2012). Overall, competition from existing Mediterranean fish species species in Europe is believed to be low (Azzurro et al.,

November 2017 32

Marika, 07/18/18,

Please see Q.A6 and amended text in this question


Is it low, or is P. lineatus a successful competitor!?

Marika, 07/19/18,

Comment from OATA: “Galil et al., (2017) consider that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the eastern Mediterranean may have the potential to act as “hubs” for secondary dispersal of non-indigenous species entering the region via the Suez Canal. Therefore, consideration should be taken into account of the MPAs and Special Protected Areas of Mediterranean Interest (SPAMis) that are located in the Mediterranean”Reply: This comment is more relevant to Q 1.21 and is addressed there. The suitable habitats for the establishment of P. lineatus are varied and widespread and are not specific to MPAs.


2014).1.19. How likely is it that establishment will occur despite predators, parasites or pathogens already present in Europe?

very likely highPredators of P. lineatus in the Mediterranean are considered scarce (Edelist et al. 2012). Moreover, the swarming behavior of the juveniles and the venomous spines and toxic skin of the species offer additional protection from predation (Clark et al., 2011).Platycephalus indicus (Linnaeus, 1758), another species of Indo-Pacific origin introduced to the Mediterranean, has been reported to predate on Plotosus anguillaris in Hong Kong (Wu 1984). However, P. indicus in the Eastern Mediterranean is not present in numbers high enough to constitute an invasion (Golani, 1998) and presumably exert significant predation pressure on P. lineatus. In Indonesia, a native species was observed feeding on the eggs of P. lineatus just after spawning (Clark et al., 2011).Parasitic infestations (ectoparasites) are common in P. lineatus in the native range (Bailly, 2008; FishBaseFroese & Pauly, 2017), but no data has been reported so far from the invaded range.

1.20. How likely is the organism to establish despite existing management practices in Europe? very likely very high

No management practices are in place concerning natural dispersal that can affect the organism’s ability to establish in the RA area.Early detection systems could and do operate through official and unofficial networks of national experts with local stakeholders (see Q 1.6 and 1.7), but would not be of use to prevent establishment. If a management practice such as intensive targeted fishery is to be applied, especially during the reproduction period, a reduction of probability to survive could be achieved, but this reduction is difficult to quantify and highly uncertain.

November 2017 33

Marika, 07/18/18,

No targeted fishery exists in the invaded range; in Israel the species is discarded and has been the cause of numerous injuries to fishermen (see Impacts section for details). In parts of the native range however, P. lineatus is landed and exploited by small-scale fishermen (see Q A.7)


Are there any experience in targeted fishery? It is a tricky species to handle.

Marika, 07/31/18,

The score you are referring to has been amended


Compare above where detection is anticipated.

Marika, 07/19/18,

Comment from OATA: “We believe that the correct citation for FishBase should be Froese and Pauly (2017) i.e. the authors of the website and not FishBase (2017) as per the FishBase citation guidance here: http://fishbase.org/summary/citation.php. This reference should therefore be amended accordingly.”Reply: OK


Plotosus?


1.21. How likely are existing management practices in Europe to facilitate establishment? likely high

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) may offer protected conditions for juveniles to thrive and adults to be released from fishing pressure (Burfeind et al., 2013). Especially along the Levantine coast, MPAs are characterised by high abundances of Lessepsian species (Galil et al., 2017 and references therein) to the extent that these authors consider that MPAs in the Eastern Mediterranean can act as “hubs” of secondary dispersal for lessepsian species. P. lineatus may not be a target species in the invaded range but it constitutes a large part of the by-catch of commercial trawlers and as such is subject to significant fisheries removals. (P. lineatus has established in two MPAs, one in Israel, B. Galil, pers. comm. and one in Tunisia, Ounifi Ben Amor et al., 2016).The EU Regulation 1967/2006, bans trawling at depths shallower than 50 m in the Mediterranean Sea throughout the year and will also afford protection to juveniles of the species which dominate shallow water assemblages. Additional fisheries restrictions implemented nationally in EU countries, mostly in the spring and summer months (for a comprehensive review and data collation see the MEDISEH project – http://imbriw.hcmr.gr/en/mediseh/), are likely to favour will protect both the spawning and the early life stages of the species and may facilitate establishment.

1.22. How likely is it that biological properties of the organism would allow it to survive eradication campaigns in Europe?

likely Mediumlow

The deposition of eggs under rocks and debris and the parental care protect the eggs, whereas spawning in shallow areas renders possible

November 2017 34

Marika, 19/07/18,

Since there haven’t been any eradication campaigns for P. lineatus, this text reflects the authors’ judgement. The confidence rating of the assessment has been changed to low.


Purely hypothetical. And in addition I consider it speculative..

Marika, 07/18/18,

The data presented in Edelist et al (2012) were based on commercial vessel hauls with fish and shrimp trawls generally using 40-48mm diamond-mesh nets at the cod-end. The lengths of P. lineatus specimens caught in these surveys ranged from 4 to 22cm. Wassenberger et al. (2007), working with 50mm mesh shrimp and fish trawls in Australia, also caught P. lineatus ranging in length from approximately 6 to 15 cm. Wassenberg TJ, Blaber SJM, Burridge CY, Brewer DT, Salini JP, Grible N (1997) The effectiveness of fish and shrimp trawls for the sampling of fish communities in tropical Australia. Fish Res 30:241–251


FishBase gives a minimum size of 14 cm at maturity. Are juveniles anticipated to be caught in any conventional fishery? Should this be mentioned?

Marika, 07/17/18,

Comment from Denmark: “It should be mentioned, that the EU Regulation 1967/2006 that bans trawling at depths shallower than 50 m throughout the year does only cover the Mediterranean. In e.g. Denmark a significant part of trawling is done in much less than 50 m.”Reply: Indeed, this has been corrected.

Marika, 07/19/18,

The management practices mentioned here are indeed not targeting alien species but are nevertheless likely to (incidentally) affect their establishment.


But this has nothing to do with management. Or!?

Marika, 07/17/18,

Comment from Denmark: “Often areas with high fishing pressure are, however, more likely to be affected by invasive species, as natural competition/predation of native species is reduced. In Denmark this is the case with round goby (Neogobius melanostomus).”Reply: The relationships between MPAs and invasive species are likely to be complex, case-specific and, to date, have been poorly quantified (Giakoumi & Pey, 2017). Different case studies indicate that MPAs can either help control or enhance the populations of alien species (see reviews by Giakoumi & Pey, 2017 and Burfeind et al., 2013 respectively and references therein). One of the proposed mechanisms for the case of enhancement is protection from harvesting, as we postulate here for P. lineatus. Especially along the Levantine coast, MPAs are characterised by high abundances of Lessepsian species (Galil et al., 2017 and references therein) to the extent that these authors consider that MPAs in the Eastern Mediterranean can act as “hubs” of secondary dispersal for lessepsian species.Burfeind, D.D., Pitt, K.A., Connolly, R.M. et al. (2013). Performance of non-native species within marine reserves. Biol Invasions, 15: 17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-012-0265-2Galil, B., Marchini, A., Occhipinti-Ambrogi, A. and Ojaveer, H. (2017). The enlargement of the Suez Canal – Erythraean Introductions and management challenges. Management of Biological Invasions, 8(2), pp. 141-152.Giakoumi S and Pey A (2017) Assessing the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Biological Invasions: A Global Review. Front. Mar. Sci. 4:49. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2017.00049


eradication measures (e.g. by trawling) destructive for native species and habitatsThe movements and migrations of juveniles and adults generate a continuous distribution in shallow waters over suitable habitats (e.g. in Israel – Edelist et al., 2012).On the other hand, swarming allows large groups of juveniles to be easily captured

1.23. How likely are the biological characteristics of the organism to facilitate its establishment? very likely very high

For the reproductive characteristics and life history/dispersal capacity of the species see Q1.4.

P. lineatus has demersal eggs and demersal larvae (Leis, 1991, Moriuchi & Dotsu, 1973). It reaches sexual maturity after 1-3 years (Thresher 1984), its fecundity ranges from 525 to 1176 eggs (Heo et al., 2007) and the larvae have a short duration of up to 18 days (Moriuchi & Dotsu, 1973). Based on the above and the recruitment period observed in Israel by Edelist et al. (2012), spawning in Israel occurs in the summer (June-July), similar to what is reported by Heo et al. (2007) for Japan.

Based on temperature requirements for successful spawning and hatching of eggs in the wild (reported in Moriuchi & Dotsu, 1973 as 21o to 27o

C), P. lineatus in July is within its thermal tolerance limits for reproduction in all the Mediterranean marine subregions, in the Bay of Biscay and in the Iberian coast only in the south coast of Portugal. This is an estimate, based on 2012-2016 SST data provided by Copernicus Marine Services - see URL http://marine.copernicus.eu/services-portfolio/access-to-products/?option=com_csw&view=details&product_id=GL

November 2017 35


Rephrase

Marika, 07/19/18,

These are the guidance notes to authors in order to answer question 1.23“including the following elements:• a list and description of the reproduction mechanisms of the species in relation to the environmental conditions in the Union • an indication of the propagule pressure of the species (e.g. number of gametes, seeds, eggs or propagules, number of reproductive cycles per year) of each of those reproduction mechanisms in relation to the environmental conditions in the Union • The description of reproduction patterns should include elements of the species life history and behavioural traits able to explain its ability to establish, including: reproduction or growth strategy, dispersal capacity, longevity, dietary requirements, environmental and climatic requirements, specialist or generalist characteristics”


Why here?

http://marine.copernicus.eu/services-portfolio/access-to-products/?option=com_csw&view=details&product_id=GLOBAL_REP_PHY_001_021



OBAL_REP_PHY_001_021

Moreover, using morphology as a proxy for environmental niche, Azzurro et al. (2014) concluded that P. lineatus’s unique characteristics in relation to native Mediterranean fish communities could accurately predict its establishment success.

1.24. How likely is the capacity to spread of the organism to facilitate its establishment? likely high

The organisms reproductive output and spawning frequency are not particularly high but the migrations of juveniles and adults will facilitate spread and establishment.For a detailed description of the dispersal ability of the species see Q 1.4b. In short, P. lineatus is characterised by post-larval dispersal of juveniles and adults that has resulted in a continuous distribution in shallow waters over suitable habitats and a rate of spread of approximately 100-200 km per year along continuous coastlines of the Levantine.

1.25. How likely is the adaptability of the organism to facilitate its establishment? very likely very high low

Its tolerance for a wide range of salinities (Job, 1959; Pucke & Umminger, 1979; Goh & Goh, 1989; Sin et al., 1991) in combination with the adult migrations is very likely to facilitate establishment in areas with reduced salinity conditions (i.e. the Black Sea). High uncertainty is associated with the lack of information on specific salinity requirements for spawning and egg/larval survival, although juveniles are common in estuaries with salinities as low as 12ppt (see Q2 Chapeau)..

1.26. How likely is it that the organism could establish despite low genetic diversity in the founder population? likely medium

low

The only available genetic study of P. lineatus in the invaded range by Bariche et al. (2015) found large genetic distances of P. lineatus specimens

November 2017 36

Marika, 07/23/18,

They are also important as the juveniles can also move between reduced salinity and fully marine conditions (e.g. studies from Singapore).


And what about the migration of the juvenile fish?

Marika, 07/23/18,

This sentence has been removed


Why migration, and why only adult migration? Adaptability and migratory capacity are different things.

Marika, 07/31/18,

See amended text in relation to the Black Sea


But all countries where it is supposed to be able to establish show about the same salinity. Differences in salinity mainly has to do with establishment in other habitats than purely marine. And I cannot see any such discussion.

Marika, 07/31/18,

See amended text


Does this answer the question!? Should be an analysis of dispersal ability and capacity.

Marika, 07/19/18,

This paragraph has been removed


And they are?



collected from Lebanon (>2%), (indicating the possibility of a species complex). Not enough information was found to answer with any certainty whether the organism could establish with low initial genetic diversity. It is assumed that the founder population(s) were either genetically diverse or succeeded to establish despite low genetic diversity.

1.27. Based on the history of invasion by this organism elsewhere in the world, how likely is it to establish in Europe? (If possible, specify the instances in the comments box.)

very likely very highIts invasion history along the Levantine coast attests to its ability to establish in the introduced range. In Israel, it only took three years from the first record in 2002 (Golani, 2002) until the species became its widespread distribution all along the Israeli coast (Otero et al., 2013). and the Its subsequent population explosion rendered it one of the most abundant and frequent species of the soft-sediment ichthyofauna in Israel (Edelist et al., 2012). Moreover, the status of the species is considered was confirmed as established by national experts in Syria (Malek Ali, pers.comm.) three years after the first sighting and in Turkey (Cemal Turan, pers.comm.) one year after the first sighting.

1.28. If the organism does not establish, then how likely is it that casual populations will continue to occur?

Subnote: Red-eared Terrapin, a species which cannot re-produce in GB but is present because of continual release, is an example of a transient species.

very likely very highGiven the continuous propagule pressure from established populations in neighbouring countries, casual populations are very likely to continue to occur in habitats unsuitable for reproduction/establishment through natural dispersal.Casual populations may also continue to appear from the escape or release of the species from aquaria in areas where conditions will not allow it to establish.

1.29. Estimate the overall likelihood of establishment in relevant biogeographical regions in current conditions

very likelyMediterranean Sea

very high Based on its invasion history in the Mediterranean Sea, the abiotic requirements, existence of similar

November 2017 37

Marika, 07/19/18,

ok


Rephrase

Marika, 07/19/18,

Please see added text in Q A.4 and bear in mind that P. lineatus in Israel was caught in large numbers by commercial trawlers over soft substrates (Edelist et al., 2012).


Earlier mentioned a hard bottom species!


Rephrase

Marika, 07/19/18,

See added text


This does not fully answer the question. Even though it is interesting that genetic diversity seems to be high, and that low genetic diversity thereby is no problem.


(mention any key issues in the comment box).likely Black Sea

unlikelyIberian Coast and the Bay of Biscay

low

medium

conditions and availability of preferred habitats, the establishment of P. lineatus in the risk assessment area is considered very likely throughout the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Bay of Biscay and the Iberian Coast (see map in Annex 1). In the Bay of Biscay, even though abiotic conditions permit it in a limited area, establishment may occur only after a new introduction via a human-mediated pathway (unaided dispersal is limited to southern Portugal), a rather unlikely event. For the Black Sea, there is some uncertainty as to whether the species can complete its life cycle under permanently reduced salinity conditions, although evidence from the native range indicates that this is possible (Goh & Goh, 1989; Sin et al., 1991).

1.30. Estimate the overall likelihood of establishment in relevant biogeographical regions in foreseeable climate change conditions


likely Black Sea

unlikelyIberian Coast and the Bay of Biscay

very high

low

medium

See comment in Q.2 of the EU Chapeau and Q 1.23 above about temperature requirements for successful reproduction. In a future scenario of temperature increase by 2 °C, these requirements will be met further north along the west coast of Portugal and for more prolonged periods in the summer over the whole potential range. The Bay of Biscay will provide more suitable habitat for establishment but the likelihood of introduction in this region remains unchanged (low).

November 2017 38


Locally in Portugal, or all over the potential range?

Marika, 07/19/18,

See added text


How will it reach these areas? Dispersal?


PROBABILITY OF SPREAD

Important notes: Spread is defined as the expansion of the geographical distribution of an alien species within the assessment area. Repeated releases at separate locations do not represent spread and should be considered in the probability of introduction and entry section.

QUESTION RESPONSE CONFIDENCE COMMENT

2.1. How important is the expected spread of this organism in Europe by natural means? (Please list and comment on each of the mechanisms for natural spread.)

major highP. lineatus is known from depths of up to 83 m and feed mostly on benthic invertebrates and small fish. The species is characterized by demersal development (relatively large eggs, low fecundity, spawns once a year, nest guarding). Its lecithotrophic larvae stay close to the seabed for 10-15 days, when the free-swimming juveniles emerge and start forming swarms, i.e. tight formations that move incessantly over sand in a "steamroller" fashion, probing the sediment for food (Clark et al., 2011). In this way, juveniles can cover large distances during the 1-3 years it takes for them to reach maturity. Adults are considered amphidromous, with migrations that can cover more than 100 km and return to shallow inshore waters to spawn (Riede, 2004). The short life cycle and demersal nature of the larvae and the population explosion of P. lineatus in Israel point to larval retention (see also Levin 2006). It appears that post-larval dispersal of the juveniles and adults has driven the spread of this species in the Mediterranean so far; however it is probably left to the adults to cross large distances isolated by deeper waters. The juveniles move incessantly over sand while feeding so it is unlikely that they will venture (or survive well) into the deep where food is more

November 2017 39


Rephrase, says that adults show post-larval dispersal.


The fact that they move large distances does not necessarily mean that they roam large areas.

Marika, 07/19/18,


To be explained?

Marika, 07/19/18,

Yes, it has been added


Nest guarding?


scarce. The adults are much more likely to move to deeper waters, especially if the local population has reached high densities. Active swimming by adults has been confirmed as the main dispersal mechanism for other invasive demersal fishes in the Mediterranean (e.g. Siganus – Diamant, 1989).Its climatic requirements are not anticipated to pose significant barriers for spread. See also Q1.5,Q1.23

2.2. How important is the expected spread of this organism in Europe by human assistance? (Please list and comment on each of the mechanisms for human-assisted spread) and provide a description of the associated commodities.

minor medium RELEASE IN NATURE (other intentional release - captured and sold in the aquarium trade)ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT Pet/aquarium/terrarium species and Botanical gardens/zoo/aquaria (captured and sold in the aquarium trade)It is possible that specimens could be collected from the wild and sold for private and public aquaria (both activities within the RA area), facilitating spread if these individuals are subsequently released or escape from confinement

RELEASE IN NATURE (other intentional release – fisheries discard)Human-assisted spread may also occur if Plotosus lineatus is caught as bycatch in fishing activity and discarded at a different location.

2.2a. List and describe relevant pathways of spread. Where possible give detail about the specific origins and end points of the pathways.

For each pathway answer questions 2.3 to 2.9 (copy and paste additional rows at the end of this section as necessary). Please attribute unique identifiers to each question if you consider more than one pathway, e.g. 2.3a,

UNAIDED (natural dispersal)

ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT Pet/aquarium/terrarium species and Botanical

Specimens of P. lineatus could be collected from the wild and sold for private and public aquaria within the RA area, facilitating spread if these individuals are subsequently released or escape from confinement.

November 2017 40


Hypothetic. Almost ludicrous.

Marika, 07/26/18,

Yes, so far the CFP has not been implemented in the Mediterranean, see relevant section below


What about discards in the Mediterranean? Does CFP allow discards in the regions in concern?

Marika, 07/26/18,

Ok, this is done


As stated in comment CAEN5 (p. 14), mentioned pathways fall under ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT: Pet/aquarium/terrarium species. Please correct this throughout entire section about spread of the organism.

Marika, 26/07/18,

Human- assisted pathways of introduction have been revised, please see relevant section.


I almost agree, but is this consistent with what is said above concerning ways of introduction? Rather Minimal!

Marika, 08/01/18,

OK, removed


Is this relevant for P. lineatus? A very different kind of fish…


To what?


2.4a, etc. and then 2.3b, 2.4b etc. for the next pathway. gardens/zoo/aquaria (captured and sold in the aquarium trade)RELEASE IN NATURE (other intentional release – captured and sold in the aquarium trade)

RELEASE IN NATURE (other intentional release – fisheries discard)

Bycatch and discard of demersal trawling. While there is no literature to support this for P. lineatus, there are examples of this phenomenon for other species (e.g. the alga Caulerpa taxifolia and the decapod Necora puber spread by fishing gear – Relini & Trochia, 2000 and Berggren, 2007 respectively). As a matter of fact, on-board observations of by-catch and discards data of fishing activities is one of the recommended methods for the monitoring of marine NIS (Olenin, 2015). Based on reported high bycatch rates in Israel (Edelist et al., 2012), it is possible that this can be a mechanism for spread for P. lineatus as well.

Pathway name: UNAIDED (secondary natural dispersal from neighbouring countries)

2.3a. Is spread along this pathway intentional (e.g. the organism is released at distant localities) or unintentional (the organism is a contaminant of imported goods)?

unintentional very high

2.4a. How likely is it that large numbers of the organism will spread along this pathway from the point(s) of origin over the course of one year?

very likely very highSee Q1.4b Currently, based on records/status in Turkey and Tunisia and the possibility of a depth limitation to spread, the answer is very likely along continuous coastlines but moderately likely across deep waters towards islandsSimilar for reinvasion after eradication.

2.5a. How likely is the organism to survive during passage along the pathway (excluding management practices that would kill the organism)?


very likely very high See Q1.5b

November 2017 41

Marika, 26/07/18,

Yes, is there any way that natural dispersal can be intentional?


Correct?


Still high-lighted in the RA.


2.6a. How likely is the organism to survive existing management practices during spread? very likely very high See Q1.6b

2.7a. How likely is the organism to spread in Europe undetected? moderately likely medium See Q1.7b

2.8a. How likely is the organism to be able to transfer to a suitable habitat or host during spread? very likely very high See Q1.14 and 1.16

2.9a. Estimate the overall likelihood of spread into or within the Union based on this pathway? very likely very high


Pathway name: RELEASE IN NATURE (other intentional release – captured and sold in aquarium trade)ESCAPE FROM CONFINEMENT Pet/aquarium/terrarium species and Botanical gardens/zoo/aquaria (captured and sold in the aquarium trade)

2.3b. Is spread along this pathway intentional (e.g. the organism is released at distant localities) or unintentional (the organism is a contaminant of imported goods)?

intentional very high

2.4b. How likely is it that large numbers of the organism will spread along this pathway from the point(s) of origin over the course of one year?

unlikely mediumP. lineatus is not very popular in domestic aquaria and is displayed in a small number of public aquaria throughout Europe (see Q 1.4c and 1.4d for details).a popular ornamental aquarium species for hobbyists worldwide It is possible that specimens could be collected from the wild and sold for private and public aquaria (there is anecdotal information that this is already happening for other ornamental invasives in the Mediterranean, such as Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) and Sargocentron rubrum (Forsskål, 1775). However not much is known about the numbers of the species circulated in the aquarium trade in the EU.

2.5b. How likely is the organism to survive during Capturing individuals from the wild to supply the

November 2017 42


How much in Europe? Base assessment on data, and discuss afterwards, to avoid too much hypothetical reasoning.


Very likely, at least if taking time-lag for detection into account.


passage along the pathway (excluding management practices that would kill the organism)?


likely high aquarium trade is common practice for reef fishes in general and P. lineatus in particular (Chan & Sadovy, 2000; DEH-Australian Government, 2005)The success of P. lineatus as an ornamental species is evidence that the species survives well in captivity and during the transport process.

2.6b. How likely is the organism to survive existing management practices during spread?

likely high There are no current management practices that can affect the species’ survival during its passage through the aquarium trade.

2.7b. How likely is the organism to spread in Europe undetected?

very likely medium Declarations pertaining to shipments from outside the EU are recorded on the Common Veterinary Entry Document (CVED) through the TRACES system and it is optional to list species (Biondo 2017). However, no import declarations or licences are required for intra-EU movement of goods, such that P. lineatus could spread in EU aquarium/pet shops undetected unless a dedicated search was conducted.

2.8b. How likely is the organism to be able to transfer to a suitable habitat or host during spread?

unlikely high The transfer of P. lineatus during the transport process to a suitable habitat is considered unlikelyAny subsequent escape or release from public and private aquaria respectively would constitute secondary introduction event and is addressed in the relevant RA Section.

2.9b. Estimate the overall likelihood of spread into or within the Union based on this pathway?

unlikely medium


Pathway name: RELEASE IN NATURE (other intentional release – fisheries discard)

2.3c. Is spread along this pathway intentional (e.g. the organism is released at distant localities) or unintentional (the organism is a contaminant of imported goods)?

intentional very highThis pathway is of more immediate concern in the Mediterranean Sea, where establishment is very likely (with high certainty) and dense populations may be anticipated. Moreover, in the Mediterranean Sea, a

November 2017 43

Marika, 07/24/18,

Currently yes, they are still allowed, at least in the Mediterranean, where the CFP has not been implemented yet.


What about discards, are they allowed?

Marika, 26/07/18,

Please see relevant information in Q 1.4c and 1.4d


Only if it is already common in trade.

Marika, 26/07/18,

This is mentioned in the Management Annex


A future ban och trade would do it.


discard ban, as mandated by the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), has not been implemented yet.

2.4c. How likely is it that large numbers of the organism will spread along this pathway from the point(s) of origin over the course of one year?

moderately likelyunlikely

lowThis will depend on the densities the species has achieved at depths where trawling is permitted (deeper than 50 m), the time of the year, the trawling effort and the discard practices, i.e. whether discards are thrown overboard immediately or accumulated and shovelled over in one or more large lots or if the catch is sorted after returning to port. Discard numbers of up to 100 individuals per haul per hour may be possible (estimate based on Edelist et al., 2012 for Israel at depths >37m)

2.5c. How likely is the organism to survive during passage along the pathway (excluding management practices that would kill the organism)?


moderately likely lowMortality rates of fisheries discards can vary widely (Revill, 2012), depending on the species, fishing gear and discard practice. No information has been found on the survival rate of discarded P. lineatus, it is considered however likely that some individuals will survive being fished and released back to the sea.

2.6c. How likely is the organism to survive existing management practices during spread? likely medium

The reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of 2013 aims at gradually eliminating the wasteful practice of discarding through the introduction of the landing obligation by 2019, but this applies to regulated commercial species and does not include P. lineatus (but see Measures to achieve management M2 in Annex 11, where we suggest “including P. lineatus in the list of species covered by the Discard Ban” as a potential management measure).

Management plans for discards of demersal fisheries include: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/86 of 20 October 2016 establishing a discard plan for certain demersal fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea (currently not implemented)

November 2017 44

Marika, 29/07/18,

change accepted, especially considering our uncertainty about the survival rate of P. lineatus as a fisheries discard


not likely

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32017R0086

https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp_en


Commission Delegated Regulation EU) 2017/87 of 20 October 2016 establishing a discard plan for turbot fisheries in the Black SeaCommission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2375 of 12 October 2016 establishing a discard plan for certain demersal fisheries in North-Western watersCommission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2250 of 4 October 2016 establishing a discard plan for certain demersal fisheries in the North Sea and in Union waters of ICES Division IIaCommission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/2374 of 12 October 2016 establishing a discard plan for certain demersal fisheries in South-Western waters

2.7c. How likely is the organism to spread in Europe undetected? moderately likely

unikelymedium See Q1.7b

2.8c. How likely is the organism to be able to transfer to a suitable habitat or host during spread? likely high

See Q1.14 and 1.16 for habitat requirements and availability.This will depend again on discard practices. If discarded at sea, it is more likely that individuals will survive and be released over suitable depths and substrates

2.9c. Estimate the overall likelihood of spread into or within the Union based on this pathway? moderately likely

unlikelylow

This will depend on fishing and discard practices, with the biggest potential for spread from bottom trawlers, releasing throwing P. lineatus discards at sea immediately after the catch is sorted. Moreover, the geographic spread of the species via this route would be relatively limited.


2.10. Within Europe, how difficult would it be to contain the organism? very difficult very high

There is a large consensus that naturally dispersing organisms are very difficult to contain (e.g. Carlton,

November 2017 45

Marika, 29/07/18,

It is not clear to me what is meant by this question. Individuals released soon after capture would have the highest chance to survive, even though their geographic spread would be limited.


Logical?

Marika, 29/07/18,

Change accepted. Logical, as this would be an intentional release by the fishermen who have captured the species.


Rather unlikely following this route.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2016.352.01.0033.01.ENG








1996 and personal communications with local experts in the Annex 6), although no attempts have been made for this particular species.However, introductions due to intentional releases, or escapees from aquaria can be managed.

2.11. Based on the answers to questions on the potential for establishment and spread in Europe, define the area endangered by the organism.


likely Black Sea

unlikelyIberian Coast and the Bay of BiscayCurrent conditions: Mediterranean - Levantine-Aegean Sea, Western Mediterranean Sea, Ionian Sea Future conditions: Mediterranean - Adriatic Sea , Bay of Biscay and Iberian coast

very high

low

medium

See Questions 2, 5 & 73, 4 of the Chapeau and Q1.29

2.12. What proportion (%) of the area/habitat suitable for establishment (i.e. those parts of Europe were the species could establish), if any, has already been colonised by the organism?

0-10 high Currently 0% for the European Union

2.13. What proportion (%) of the area/habitat suitable for establishment, if any, do you expect to have been invaded by the organism five years from now (including any current presence)?

0-10 medium The Mediterranean EU coastline is 33,000 km long, with ≈ 22,000km belonging to Greece, Italy and Cyprus, the first three countries which are expected to be colonised by P. lineatus through natural dispersal. Considering that, in order to reach the RAA, P.

November 2017 46


Questions 5 and 7?


Not all of Iberian coast mentioned before


lineatus will have to cross over to Sicily (IT) from Tunisia, Cyprus from Syria and/or Turkey and the Dodecanese (GR) from the west coast of Turkey, a small percentage of the RAA suitable habitats is expected to be invaded five years from now.The decrease in the confidence rating refers to lower confidence levels for the rate of spread towards islands, as opposed to continuous coastline.

2.14. What other timeframe (in years) would be appropriate to estimate any significant further spread of the organism in Europe? (Please comment on why this timeframe is chosen.)

10 very high Within 15 years of its first Mediterranean record (2002 in Israel) the species has significantly proliferated along most of the Levantine coast and to the west until Tunisia. Available suitable habitats and abiotic conditions are very likely to allow it to spread at similar rates throughout the endangered area along continuous coastline and over shallow areas. Within 10 years, adult movements are anticipated to facilitate its spread to islands separated by deeper waters.

2.15. In this timeframe what proportion (%) of the endangered area/habitat (including any currently occupied areas/habitats) is likely to have been invaded by this organism?

10-33 medium In this timeframe, P. lineatus is likely to have also reached the Mediterranean coast of Spain through westward expansion from TunisiaThe proportion of the endangered area likely to have been invaded is assumed to be supposedly closer to the low end of the 10-33% range

2.16. Estimate the overall potential for spread in relevant biogeographical regions under current conditions for this organism in Europe (using the comment box to indicate any key issues).

moderately rapidly high Invasion history in Israel indicates spread with a speed of ≈100 km per year along continuous coastline, involving movement of both juveniles and adults. The organism is expected to spread to the Southern Aegean at similar speeds. As discussed above, active swimming of adults is the most likely mechanism of dispersal over large distances separated by deep waters; hence some uncertainty is associated with its rate of spread to Cyprus, Sicily, Malta and some Aegean Islands that can act as stepping stones on its pathway to the Ionian Sea. A similar pattern has been observed in the distribution of other alien

November 2017 47

Marika, 26/07/18,

Moderately rapidly


???

Booy, Olaf, 23/05/18,

Good use of the spread section and questions.


species such as Fistularia commersonii (Azzuro et al., 2013).

2.17. Estimate the overall potential for spread in relevant biogeographical regions in foreseeable climate change conditions

very likely very highIt is foreseen that the species is very likely to spread in the risk assessment area under current conditions; however in addition future warming of the Mediterranean is expected to favour it even more.See Q1.12 and 1.23 for more details

November 2017 48


MAGNITUDE OF IMPACT

Important instructions: Questions 2.18-2.22 relate to environmental impact, 2.23-2.25 to impacts on ecosystem services, 2.26-2.30 to economic impact, 2.31-2.32 to social

and human health impact, and 2.33-2.36 to other impacts. These impacts can be interlinked, for example a disease may cause impacts on biodiversity and/or ecosystem functioning that leads to impacts on ecosystem services and finally economic impacts. In such cases the assessor should try to note the different impacts where most appropriate, cross-referencing between questions when needed.

Each set of questions above starts with the impact elsewhere in the world, then considers impacts in Europe separating known impacts to date (i.e. past and current impacts) from potential future impacts (including foreseeable climate change).

Assessors are requested to use and cite original, primary references as far as possible.

QUESTION RESPONSE CONFIDENCE COMMENTS

Biodiversity and ecosystem impacts2.18. How important is impact of the organism on biodiversity at all levels of organisation caused by the organism in its non-native range excluding the Union?

moderate lowP. lineatus is present in significant numbers over sandy substrata in Israel (Edelist et al., 2012). In 160 trawl catches between 2008-2011, P. lineatus accounted for 17.7 and 2.4% of all fishes in shallow (<37 m) and in medium (37-83m) depth strata respectively. In shallow strata, catfishes amounted to 10.4% of all organisms in catches.Predation effects of feeding juvenile swarms or adults on benthic invertebrates have not been studied but de-serve some consideration. At these densities, it is likely that P. lineatus exerts significant predation pressure on preferred prey (crustaceans, molluscs, polychaetes and small fish), and competes for prey resourcesbiomass with other native predators.Other competition effects may involve competition for daytime refuge with native species, since adult P. linea-tus are active during the night and spend most of the daytime hiding in caves or under ledges (FishBase-Froese & Pauly, 2017; Clark et al., 2011; C. Turan, per-

November 2017 49

Marika, 07/19/18,

Please see amended text in Q A.4Juveniles in particular forage extensively over sandy habitats in the invaded range.


Soft bottom or hard bottom species?


s.comm.). Arndt et al. (2018) demonstrated a strong overlap in diet and habitat use preferences between P. lineatus and the native mullet species Mullus barbatus and Mullus sur-muletus which have declined by approximately one or-der of magnitude in the shallow sandy coasts of Israel over the past 20 years. They concluded that P. lineatus, together with two non-indigenous Upeneus species, has likely contributed to the competitive exclusion of the two mullets from the region (Arndt et al., 2018).

The population explosion of P. lineatus was concurrent with a population size decline of indigenous weeverfish (Trachinus draco), as described in Edelist et al. (2012). T. draco could have declined independently of the cat-fish; however, it is possible that they were competi-tively excluded by P. lineatus, as the two share several behavioural traits and trophic niche characteristics (both are venomous, inhabit shallow substrata, and T. draco also prey upon benthic crustaceans and smaller fish) (Edelist et al., 2012).

2.19. How important is the impact of the organism on biodiversity at all levels of organisation (e.g. decline in native species, changes in native species communities, hybridisation) currently in the different biogeographical regions or marine sub-regions where the species has established in Europe (include any past impact in your response)?

N/A The species has not yet established in the risk assessment area.

2.20. How important is the impact of the organism on biodiversity at all levels of organisation likely to be in the future in the different biogeographical regions or marine sub-regions where the species can establish in Europe?

major lowThe ecological role of P. lineatus in invaded habitats through competition and predation is expected to be important (Gil Rilov, Marek Ali, pers.comm., Q2.18)With a high likelihood for establishment and subsequent population explosions (Edelist et al., 2012), the species

November 2017 50

Marika, 07/19/18,

These are outlined in Q A.6 but can be added here are well


Such as?

Marika, 07/23/18,

As in Q6 of the Chapeau, please consider that:A more recent analysis of the diet and habitat preferences of Lessepsian vs native fish species based on the same trawl data as those used by Edelist et al. (2012) did not confirm this hypothesis (Arndt et al., 2018). Rather, it was concluded that the overlap in depth-range distribution, diet and habitat use between P. lineatus and T. draco was not very high. Furthermore, unpublished data from 2000 indicate that T.draco, had already declined along the Israeli coast between 1990–1994 and 2000, i.e. before P .lineatus appeared in the region (Edelist, pers. comm in Arndt et al., 2018). The authors concluded that “competitive exclusion [among the examined species] was only possible in the case of the native mullets Mullus barbatus and M. surmuletus, caused by a group of non-indigenous ﬁshes comprising Upeneus spp. and P. lineatus.”. In light of these new findings the assessment of the environmental impacts (and the competitive interactions) of P. lineatus has been re-examined throughout the document.


has the potential to drastically change the structure of native communities in the invaded areas (Otero et al., 2013) and outcompete similar native species.Moreover, the venom extracted from its spinal gland has proven lethal for a number of vertebrates, including the freshwater fish Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides in laboratory experiments (Wright, 2009), it could thus represent a danger as a prey to naïve predators.Regarding ecosystem functioning, feeding swarms with their constant probing of the sand may increase turbidity and alter properties of the sediment (Cline et al., 1994) with consequences for nutrient cycling, mobilization of demersal eggs or dormant cysts (Drillet et al., 2014). Yahel et al. (2002), conducting studies in the Red Sea, observed that benthivorous fish (with similar feeding behavior as P. lineatus) are primarily responsible for sediment resuspension in coral reef habitats. This may have implications for benthic suspension feeders, such as corals, hydroids, sedentary polychaetes, etc., but also for benthic habitats and associated community structure (Kröncke et al., 2000).

2.21. How important is decline in conservation value with regard to European and national nature conservation legislation caused by the organism currently in Europe?

N/A The species has not yet established in the assessment area.

2.22. How important is decline in conservation value with regard to European and national nature conservation legislation caused by the organism likely to be in the future in Europe?

moderate mediumP. lineatus has been observed in two Marine Protected Areas in the invaded range (in Israel, where it is present in considerable numbers (B. Galil, pers.comm), and in Tunisia, in the Zembra-Haouaria marine reserve, where it is considered established – (Ben Amor et al., 2016). Its spread in other MPAs in EU marine regions is very likely, it thus poses a threat to protected marine communities and habitats.

November 2017 51


Not sure what this means.

Marika, 07/19/18,

To the extent that it demonstrates lethal effect of the P. lineatus venom on a potential predator group (i.e fish), yes.


Relevant?


Ecosystem Services impacts 2.23 How important is the impact of the organism on provisioning, regulating, and cultural services in its non-native range excluding the Union?

moderate mediumWith respect to ecosystem services, P. lineatus affects the provisioning of food for human consumption as it interferes with local fisheries (discarded species present in significant amounts) (Edelist et al., 2012; Katsanevakis et al., 2014). This had even caused temporary changes to normal activities at local level, such as prawn trawlers in Israel avoiding shallow waters in the daytime when P. lineatus is most abundant and active. Since then, trawling restrictions have been implemented in Israel (trawling prohibited <40m depth), such that this temporary change in fishing activities is no longer an issue attributed to P. lineatus (Dor Edelist, personal communication).

2.24. How important is the impact of the organism on provisioning, regulating, and cultural services currently in the different biogeographical regions or marine sub-regions where the species has established in Europe (include any past impact in your response)?

N/A

2.25. How important is the impact of the organism on provisioning, regulating, and cultural services likely to be in the different biogeographical regions or marine sub-regions where the species can establish in Europe in the future?

minor mediumEven if P. lineatus achieves in the European endangered area comparable densities with the peak densities reported for Israel, provisioning services are likely to be less severely affected due to the different trawlingrestrictions in the EU and the generally lower densities of P. lineatus in waters deeper than 50m. (see Q2.18 for depth distribution in Israel and Q1.21 for EU fisheries regulations)

Economic impacts2.26. How great is the overall economic cost caused by the organism within its current area of distribution, including both costs of damage and the cost of current management

moderate lowP. lineatus during its population explosion in Israel reached significant abundance (see Q 2.18) and was discarded at all sizes by Israeli fishermen. The main problem identified with these discard rates was an increase in the time required to sort the catch, as P. lineatus is highly venomous and extra care is needed for its handling. Additional loss of working time can occur

November 2017 52


Rephrase

Marika, 07/19/18,

The 50m depth limit is only valid for Mediterranean EU countries as per EU Regulation 1967/2006 (this has been corrected throughout the document).


50 m mentioned before. Is this only valid for EU countries?


due to injuries to fishermen caused by P. lineatus stings (see later section on health impacts).Since 2011, P. lineatus numbers in the area have decreased (Dor Edelist, pers.comm., 2017) but it still constitutes a significant amount of the catch. Relevant data/studies for a monetary estimate are not available at the moment.A note on scale: The above impacts are related to 22-24 trawling vessels (Edelist et al., 2013), operating along an approximately 200km long coastline.

2.27. How great is the economic cost of damage* of the organism currently in the Union (include any past costs in your response)?

*i.e. excluding costs of management

N/A The organism has not been reported from the Union at the time of the risk assessment.

2.28. How great is the economic cost of damage* of the organism likely to be in the future in the Union?

*i.e. excluding costs of management

Minor lowThe depth limit on trawling of 50m (and locally deeper) and the seasonal (spring/summer) fisheries closures in the Mediterranean EU states are likely to limit the high discard rates of P. lineatus in trawl catches compared to what was observed in Israel (autumn months are characterised by high abundances of P. lineatus juveniles but these are predominant at shallow depths - <37m in Edelist et al. (2012), in countries however with a large trawling fleet (e.g. Italy, Greece – FAO 2016), the net impact may be comparable if not higher.Reduced beach use with associated impacts on the tourism has not been reported in the species’ current invaded range due to the extensive presence of dangerous/nuisance species has been reported in the past e.g. for the jellyfish Rhopilema nomadica (Ghermandi et al., 2015) and it may be a possibility for P. lineatus as well, although extensive communication with scientists from Israel (Daniel Golani, Dori Edelist, Gil Rilov, pers.comm.) did not indicate that this has happened in the species’ current invaded range.

November 2017 53

Marika, 07/19/18,

This was a question raised by one of the internal reviewers of this RA, that is why we purposely discussed the issue with Israeli scientists and we present the outcome of our communication.The text has been rephrased.


Speculative

Marika, 07/17/18,

Comment from Denmark: “It should be mentioned, that the EU Regulation 1967/2006 that bans trawling at depths shallower than 50 m throughout the year does not cover the whole EU (only Mediterranean). In e.g. Denmark a significant part of trawling is done in much less than 50 m.”Reply: OK throughout the document

Marika, 19/07/18,

We agree that this is important information and may indicate boom-bust dynamics for this species, we do not have however at our disposal the actual data to substantiate it (besides the pers. comm with Dor Edelist) or offer any further comments.Please see also Q4.1 Additional Questions - Research


This is important, and should be high-lighted


2.29. How great are the economic costs associated with managing this organism currently in the Union (include any past costs in your response)?

N/AThere are no current management costs for P. lineatus in the Union

2.30. How great are the economic costs associated with managing this organism likely to be in the future in the Union?

moderate mediumManagement costs might include national action plans, awareness campaigns, citizen science programs.Specific control/eradication actions are difficult to undertake and probably not cost-effective.

Social and human health impacts2.31. How important is social, human health or other impact (not directly included in any earlier categories) caused by the organism for the Union and for third countries, if relevant (e.g. with similar eco-climatic conditions).

moderate mediumP. lineatus is a highly venomous catfish, with the venom glands located along the dorsal and pectoral spines. Envenomation by catfishes can result in severe pain, numbness, fever, weakness, nausea, local paralysis, dizziness and can occasionally prove fatal (Haddad 2008, Halstead 1978, Fahim et al., 1996), although fatal injuries caused by P. lineatus have never been reported (Bentur et al., 2017).Numerous injuries to fishermen and beachgoers have been recorded by the Poison Information Center in Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel (Gweta et al., 2008; Edelist et al., 2012, Bentur et al., 2017), some of them involving severe pain, hypertension and tachycardia (ANNEX 54). Mild symptoms were mostly self-treated, especially by fishermen. Discarded fish, washed ashore and stepped on or picked up by people walking on the beach were the main cause of injury to beach-goers (Daniel Golani, pers.comm,, see also Haddad 2016 for marine catfish injuries). In such injuries, a common complication is the breakage of stingers in the wound. If the fish have rotted, this is associated with a higher likelihood of severe bacterial infection If fish have deteriorated severe secondary infections can occur (Haddad 2016). As such, P. lineatus affects the health and the safe access to resources and amenities for identifiable groups, no

November 2017 54

Marika, 07/19/18,

Yes, a common complication is the breakage of stingers in the wound. If the fish have rotted, this is associated with a higher likelihood of severe bacterial infection (Haddad, 2016)


Wording. Does this mean stepping on a rotten fish could be more dangerous?

Marika, 07/19/18,

All the available, relevant information that we could find is presented and we consider that the answer is complete in terms of scientific content.


This should be high-lighted, not general characteristics of venomous catfishes.


Again, worst case first and then no data indicating any severe problems with P. lineatus. Repeatedly tendentious.

Marika, 07/19/18,

I am not sure how the reviewer arrived at this conclusion. An increase from minor to moderate costs can mean up to 900,000 Euro difference. According to the scoring guidelines in Annex 8Minimal costs - Up to 10,000 EuroMinor costs - 10,000-100,000 EuroModerate costs - 100,000-1,000,000 Euro


CS are assumed to infer minimal economic costs!?


information however was found to suggest that people are deterred from carrying out these activities in the impacted areas due to the presence of the species.In addition to the economic costs mentioned in the previous section, minor economic costs should be taken into account for the treatment of injuries caused by stings to fishermen and beachgoers. A note on scale: The above impacts are related to 22-24 trawling vessels and ≈100 artisanal fishing vessels (Edelist et al., 2013) operating along an approximately 200km long coastline plus recreational fishermen,

2.32. How important is social, human health or other impact (not directly included in any earlier categories) caused by the organism in the future for the Union.

major lowWith a significant spread expected in the Mediterranean Sea, the venomous sting of P. lineatus is likely to cause reversible health impacts over a large area, while more severe symptoms associated with secondary infections and deep puncture wounds remain a possibility. Fisheries restrictions potentially leading to lower discard rates in the EU may result in a lower frequency of injuries.

Other impacts2.33. How important is the impact of the organism as food, a host, a symbiont or a vector for other damaging organisms (e.g. diseases)?

minimal lowParasitic infestations (mostly ectoparasites) are common in P. lineatus in the native range (FishBaseFroese & Pauly, 2017) but no information has been found on the issue from the invaded range

2.34. How important might other impacts not already covered by previous questions be resulting from introduction of the organism? (specify in the comment box)

NA

2.35. How important are the expected impacts of the organism despite any natural control by other organisms, such as predators, parasites or pathogens that may already be present in Europe?

major lowThe magnitude of impacts is not expected to be modified through natural control by other organisms

See Q1.18 (competition), 1.19 (predation, parasitism)

November 2017 55


2.36. Indicate any parts of Europe where any of the above impacts are particularly likely to occur (provide as much detail as possible).

[insert text + attach map if possible]

high

Asterisks mark location with public aquaria that are currently displaying P. lineatus.Ecological impacts are equally likely to occur in all the Mediterranean EU countries where the species is expected to arrive. Impacts on provisioning services and economic impacts through the fisheries sector are more likely to occur in those countries with large fishing fleets, i.e. Greece, Italy and Croatia, particularly Italy, which has the largest number of trawlers (FAO 2016).Likewise for health impacts to fishermen. On the other hand, health impacts to beach-goers are expected to be more frequent/extensive in countries with well-developed coastal tourism industry, such as Greece and Spain, followed by Italy, Cyprus, Croatia, Malta

November 2017 56

Marika, 07/26/18,

Please see amended map in Annex 3 and Table in Annex 4


Does not fit with earlier descriptions.


ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS - CLIMATE CHANGE3.1. What aspects of climate change, if any, are most likely to affect the risk assessment for this organism?

Temperature increase (2oC)

very high Areas of the risk assessment area that currently have temperatures below the thermal limit for spawning of P. lineatus (21 o 21o C) will become more amenable to es-tablishment, all else being equal.

Moreover, if temperature increase is accompanied by the proliferation of the Lessepsian species which are preferred prey items of P. lineatus (Edelist et al., 2012) into the rest of the Mediterranean Sea, its establishment and spread may be favoured.

3.2. What is the likely timeframe for such changes? 100 80 years high Future climate conditions for mapping and distribution assessment purposes were approximated as an overall 2 °C sea surface temperature (SST) increase by 2098, projected according to the RCP4.5 scenario of IPCC which corresponds to medium-high anthropogenic radiative forcing RF; an increase in SST of up to 3 °C is predicted under the RCP8.5 scenario corresponding to high anthropogenic RF – IPCC AR5 report, 2013

3.3. What aspects of the risk assessment are most likely to change as a result of climate change?

Establishment

Spread

Impact

high

Increased establishment and spread, to the extent they are favoured by climate change, will expose more areas and stakeholder groups to socio-economic and health impacts of the species.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS - RESEARCH4.1. If there is any research that would significantly strengthen confidence in the risk assessment please summarise this here.

Establishment & population dynamics

high Edelist et al. (2012) point out that, as observed in the past with other Lessepsian immigrants, P. lineatus may be currently overshooting its carrying capacity in the

November 2017 57

Marika, 26/07/18,

To my understanding, none of the understudied potential environmental impacts of the species, mentioned in Q 4.1, can be affected by climate change to the degree that the respective assessment scores will change. See however added text about socio-economic and health impacts.

CAEN, 25/05/18,

And what about Impact (taking into account Q 4.1)?


Environmental impacts

Economic im-pacts

Rate of spread

Levant. As a matter of fact, there is some indication that, since 2011, P. lineatus numbers in the area have decreased (Dor Edelist, pers.comm., 2017) but it still constitutes a significant amount of the catch. Modelling the natural carrying capacity and dynamic equilibrium of P. lineatus in the East Mediterranean would increase our confidence in predicting the invasiveness potential of the species.

Further studies are required with respect to predation ef-fects, trophic interactions and other ecosystem func-tions. Ecological aspects that should be examined in-clude the potential impacts of P. lineatus on habitat structure and function, competition for daytime refuge with native species and the possibility of deleterious ef-fects on naiveinexperienced predators, such as fish, ma-rine mammals and birds.

Socio-economic studies pertaining to the loss of income and the increase in health risk exposure for fishermen would allow the better estimation of monetary costs. The possibility of reduced beach use for fear of injury and any subsequent damage to the tourism industry need also be considered.

Modelling studies on the dispersal of the adult stage could give us a better indication of the rate and level of success of reaching areas isolated by deep waters (e.g. by testing out various scenarios and doing sensitivity analysis for selected parameters).

November 2017 58

Marika, 07/19/18,

It is conceivable with an approach e.g. like the one outlined in Coro et al. (2018)Coro, G., Vilas, L. G., Magliozzi, C., Ellenbroek, A., Scarponi, P., & Pagano, P. (2018). Forecasting the ongoing invasion of Lagocephalus sceleratus in the Mediterranean Sea. Ecological Modelling, 371, 37-49.


Is this possible to model?


Rephrase


Naïve elsewhere


Risk of entry and spread

Finally, more comprehensive and formally organised information on the aquarium trade of P. lineatus and other ornamental marine NIS need to be a priority for a better informed assessment of the risk of introduction and spread of ornamental species through aquaria related pathways.

November 2017 59

Marika, 07/31/18,

Strictly speaking no but this is a priority need for potentially invasive ornamental species and we consider it worth mentioning.


Is this research?


REFERENCES:

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ANNEX 1. Climatic conditions that allow the establishment of P. lineatus currently and under future climate change (limiting factor is considered temperature for spawning in July>21 oC , Sea Surface Temperature (SST) used as proxy, future conditions defined as a SST increase of 2 oC, according to the RCP4.5 scenario, IPCC AR5 2013)

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Marika, 24/07/18,

Please see Q2 of the Chapeau and Q1.29-1.30


Given this, how likely is establishment in Bay of Biscay?


ANNEX 2. Current and potential distribution map of P. lineatus, with locations where public aquaria are currently displaying or have in the past displayed the species

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Marika, 24/07/18,

ok

Hadjistylli Margarita, 25/05/18,

THIS MAP SHOULD BE CORRECTED. CYPRUS IS SHOWN TO BE DIVIDED BY BORDERS WHICH IS INCORRECT

Marika, 24/07/18,

The map has been corrected


On page 20 it says: Genova, Monaco and Malta (and Gdynia, which is of minor interest. The Iberian aquaria are lacking in the text. Markings are not fully correct (Monaco, Barcelona (where the species has not been on display for 10 years) and Lisboa (where they does not have the species).Compare Annex 4!


ANNEX 3. Personal communication regarding intentional release of aquarium species

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ANNEX 43. Question to European Union Aquarium Curators (EUAC) members

Maria Corsini-Foka, HSR-HCMR/25-6-2017

Question to European Union Aquarium Curators (EUAC) members and other Aquarium curators: Do you display Plotosus lineatus?: YES-NO

Email posted by M. Corsini-Foka on 11-5-2017 and again on 22-6-2017

108 email addresses linked, 15 absent, 8 not delivered

Name of Curator Aquarium Country YES NOIsabel Koch Wilhelma der zoologisch-botanische Garten-Stuttgart Germany NoDaniel Abed-Navandi Haus des Meeres Vienna Austria Yes, now Lars Skou Olsen Den Blå Planet Danmarks Akvarium Denmark Yes (in Tivoli Aquarium

Denmark, in past)

Marion Wille Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum-Düsseldorf Germany NoEspen Hansen Akvariet i Bergen Norway NoClaudia Gili and Silvia Lavor-ano

Genova Aquarium Italy Yes, ten years ago and some specimens now

Rainer Kaiser Aquarium Zoo Berlin Germany Yes, 52 semiadults since 2015 up to now

Ester Alonso Loro Parque-Tenerife Spain NoStefan Farkasdi Tropicarium Budapest Hungary NoOlivier Brunel Aquarium Oceanographic Museum Monaco Montecarlo Yes, now Max Janse Burgers Zoo Arnhem Netherlands Yes, a school of juveniles in

2001-2006

Brian Zimmerman ZSL – London Zoo UK No

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Marika, 26/07/18,

Please note that a new version of the table has been included. The information regarding public aquaria in the vicinity of coastal cities surrounded by suitable habitat has not changed, i.e. three aquaria are still relevant for accidental escape: Malta, Genova and Monaco.


Primo Micarelli Acquario Mondo Marino-Grosseto Italy NoJames Wright National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth UK NoEspen Rafter Stiftelsen Polaria-TROMSØ Norway NoAnke Oertel Haus der Natur - Museum für Natur und Technik-

SalzburgAustria No

Stéphane HÉNARD, Cather-ine…..

NAUSICAA, Centre National de la Mer-Boulogne sur Mer France Yes, between 1991-2001

Kristina Ydesen Nordsoen Oceanarium-Hirtshals Denmark NoAttila Varga Sosto Zoo-Nyiregyhaza-Sostofürdö Hungary Yes, 10-15 specimens in

2010. Eaten by a nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cir-ratum). The shark is still alive.

Amalia Martínez de Murguía Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastian Spain NoGuido Westhoff Tierpark Hagenbeck Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH-

Hamburg Germany Yes, in 2014-2015

Daniel de Castro Malta National Aquarium Malta Yes, since 2013 up to now

Ulrich Graßl Zoo Leipzig GmbH Germany Yes, 15 specimens, now

Fátima Gil Aquário Vasco da Gama - Lisboa Portugal NoAspasia Sterioti Cretaquarium-Eraklion Greece NoPatrici Bultó L' Aquàrium de Barcelona Spain Yes, from 2002 to 2008 Rune Kristiansen Kattegatcentre-Grenaa Denmark Yes , from 2009 to 2011 Rune Veiseth Atlanterhavsparken-Alesund Norway NoJens P. Jeppesen The Øresund Aquarium-University of Copenhagen Denmark NoPedro Garcia Miguel Instanbul Akvaryum Turkey NoNerine Badawy Alexandria Aquarium Egypt NoNikos G. Koutsoloukas Ocean Aquarium Cyprus Cyprus NoMilena Mičić Aquarium Pula Croatia No

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Jakub Kordas Kierownik ds. akwariów/ Afrykarium-Zoo Wrocław Poland NoThomas Jermann Aquarium-Vivarium, ZOOLOGISCHER GARTEN BASEL Switzerland Yes, from 1996 to 2004 Nicolas Hirel Mare Nostrum Aquarium Monpellier France NoMarcin Betlejewski Akvarium Gdinskie (Gdynia) Polland Yes, from 2015 up to now

Nicol Kube Museum für Meereskunde und Fischerei Aquarium, ∙Stralsund

Germany Yes, in the 1990s, for two years

Philip Jouk Antwerp Zoo-Aquarium Belgium NoJulia Duhem Pairi Daiza Zoo Brugelette (Belgium) Belgium NoPablo Montoto Gasser ZooAquarium de Madrid Spain Yes, from 2004 to 2006 and

in 2013

Marie Bournonville Liège University aquarium Belgium NoNuria Baylina Oceanarium Lisboa Portugal Yes, from 2000 to 2008

43 43 18 25Steven L. Bailey New England Aquarium-Boston Massachusetts-

USAYes, from 1990 to 1992

Yaarub F. Al-Yahya Aquarium Scientific Center Kwait Yes Yes, today Yes, in past Never N. of Public Aquaria 7 11 24

ANNEX 54. Clinical manifestations of victims of Plotosus lineatus injured in the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea.

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(After Bentur et al, 2017)

Clinical manifestation Number of victims Percent of all victimsLocal manifestationsPain 76 90.5%Puncture wound 59 70.2%Swelling 28 33.3%Erythema 14 16.7%Hematoma 3 3.6%Paresthesia 3 3.6%Tenosynovitis 1 1.2%Necrosis 1 1.2%

Systemic manifestationsHypertension 6 7.1%(systolic >140 mmHg, and/or diastolic >90 mmHg)

(highest systolic 160 mmHg)

(highest diastolic 100 mmHg)

Tachycardia 2 2.4%(>100 beats/min) (highest 109 beats/min)Vomiting 2 2.4%Chills 2 2.4%Weakness 2 2.4%Agitation 1 1.2%Dizziness 1 1.2%

Some victims had more than one clinical manifestation.

ANNEX 65. Communication with local experts

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Stress!?


We contacted a number of local experts from the countries where P. lineatus could potentially arrive and establish. We sought their input on the likelihood of establishment of P. lineatus in their country based on their knowledge of local habitats, regulations and policies concerning the marine environment and IAS in particular and their experience with other marine IAS establishing in these areas. Specifically we posed the following questions:

'How likely is the organism to establish despite existing management practices in Europe?'Given that "Plotosus lineatus has the ability to live in a variety of coastal habitats with a wide range of salinities (estuaries, lagoons, sandy and rocky bottoms, shallow and open seas) down to 150m" how would you answer this for your country?Which existing policies in your country would favour or prevent its spread?

Country: Croatia

Person contacted: Dr.Branko Dragičević Affiliation: Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries

Communication: “I'm really not aware of any policy that might have any influence on establishment or prevention of establishment of any marine fish spe-cies in Croatia as long as we are talking about active migration.”

Country: Slovenia

Person contacted: Dr. Lovrenc Lipej Affiliation: National Institute of Biology, Marine Biology Station Piran

Communication: “With respect to detectability a) the Marine Biology Station of the National Institute of biology (MBS) is regularly surveying the occurrence of less known, rare and non-indigenous species. This is especially true for coastal environments, such as lagoons, estuaries, shallow water habitats, rocky bot-tom) b. a network in which many local elements are involved offer the possibility to rapidly detect such peculiar fish species (Aquarium Piran, fishermen communities, recreational fishermen, diving associations, naturalists, others...).

With respect to legislation a) the Act of nature conservation (Republic of Slovenia) is defining how to deal with aliens, what is an alien, that aliens are strictly prohibited to be introduced in Slovenia; however, there is no word at all about prevention or eradication. b) If somebody wants to introduce a certain fish (and other) species in Slovenia, there is a list of specialists who are invited to prepare a document regarding all possible impacts of the NISD in question and re-commendations how to deal with the requested NIS.”

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Country: Spain

Person contacted: Dr. Francisco Alemany Affiliation: Spanish Institute of Oceanography, Balearic Islands

Communication: “If the species arrives and the environmental conditions are suitable, I do not know how the spreading could be prevented…there are also several national laws regarding alien species, even a relatively recent one, from 2013, listing the priority species, terrestrial and marine (Plotosus is not there). We are applying all the international legal framework for preventing aliens introductions, and the monitoring of marine aliens under WFD and MSFD, but I'm afraid this is not enough for preventing the "natural" secondary spreading of Plotosus.”

Country: Italy

Person contacted: Dr. Franco Andaloro Affiliation: ISPRA

Communication: “In Italy we don't have any authority that is directly involved in prevention against dangerous alien species. We have competence of health ministry regarding veterinary inspection in fish market that received information by our data bank. The only fishes (excluding the protected species of course) that are not possible to sell are Tetradontiformes. Another competence, regarding the action against alien species, is of the environmental ministry in applica-tion of international conventions and the EU directives. Finally the agriculture and fishery ministry ha competence on the catch and has a collaboration with the coastal guard regarding control on fish and fishing, this ministry has also the register of alien species in aquaculture managed by my institute that give the authorisation to use species not native in aquaculture. The only measures applied in Italy are the early warnings launched by ISPRA in the media and the fishing ports as well as the case of Lagochephalus sceleratus and the lionfish.”

Person contacted: Dr.Ernesto Azzurro Affiliation: ISPRA

Communication: “Italy is enforcing national legislation for specific introduction pathways, such as aquaculture and vessels, but for Lessepsian species and other range expanding NIS, we generally make reference to the principles included in the EU regulation 1143/2014, even if these species are not listed in the list of species of union concern.”

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Country: Malta

Person contacted: Dr.Alan Deidun Affiliation: International Ocean Institute - Malta Centre

Communication: “The Maltese Islands are notoriously lacking in terms of large-scale and permanent coastal wetlands and estuaries, with freshwater runoff from land being limited to the period immediately following heavy rainfall during the wet season. Even watercourses are temporary and highly intermittent. In fact, non-indigenous species dependent on a freshwater contribution and recorded from adjacent regions (e.g. Callinectes sapidus) are notoriously missing from Malta. Sea salinity is relatively homogenous throughout Maltese coastal waters, which, however, support a wide range of habitats and seabed, ranging from vegetated rocky reefs, to seagrass meadows, to coralligenous assemblages and bare sandy bottoms. Hence, I would rate the introduction risk for Maltese waters associated with Plotosus lineatus as moderate.

The aquarium trade in Malta is very poorly regulated, such that anyone can purchase an exotic species, including Pterois miles, with relative ease. Malta at the moment is implementing EU regulations concerning the control of terrestrial invasive species and has yet to act where it comes to marine invasive species management”

Person contacted: Dr.Patrick Schembri Affiliation: University of Malta, Faculty of Science

Communication: “While there are no estuaries or lagoons in Malta, there are large areas of sandy bottom bordered by rocky outcrops with underhangs, which seem to be one preferred habitat for the species, so potentially, the species may yet occur.There is no official (i.e. Government) monitoring programme for aliens. No monitoring programmes are being implemented in any of the local MPAs by the authorities in charge. Research on aliens is being conducted by university academics, who have formal (i.e. citizen science) or informal networks of contacts who report occurrences of 'unusual' species. Plotosus is sufficiently distinctive that if it occurs, it is likely to be reported through one of these networks.As far as I am aware there are no policies in place that would either favour or prevent the spread of this species. There are also no contingency plans for any eventual occurrence of this (or other) alien species in local waters.”

Additionally, aquaria curators were contacted through the European Union of Aquarium Curators, in search of information on P.lineatus in protected condi-tions. We received the following information:

Person contacted: Lars Skou Olsen Affiliation: Technical manager, Research and conservation-Den Blå Planet-Danmarks Akvarium

Communication: “When I was working in the Tivoli Aquarium here in Copenhagen we had Plotosus lineatus in the exhibition tank. The LSS system is built over a break tank where there is a pump that delivers water to the sand filters from the tank before any filters has filtered the water. In the sand filter is a sight

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glass, one day when we looked in the sand filters there was some 5 cm juvenile Plotosus lineatus that had grown from larvae to juvenile inside the sand fil-ters.”

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ANNEX 76. Scoring of Likelihoods of Events (taken from UK Non-native Organism Risk Assessment Scheme User Manual, Version 3.3, 28.02.2005)

Score Description FrequencyVery unlikely This sort of event is theoretically possible, but is never known to have oc-

curred and is not expected to occur 1 in 10,000 years

Unlikely This sort of event has not occurred anywhere in living memory 1 in 1,000 years Possible This sort of event has occurred somewhere at least once in recent years,

but not locally 1 in 100 years

Likely This sort of event has happened on several occasions elsewhere, or on at least one occasion locally in recent years

1 in 10 years

Very likely This sort of event happens continually and would be expected to occur Once a year

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ANNEX 87. Scoring of Magnitude of Impacts (modified from UK Non-native Organism Risk Assessment Scheme User Manual, Version 3.3, 28.02.2005)

Score Biodiversity and ecosystem impact

Ecosystem Services impact Economic impact (Monetary loss and response costs per year)

Social and human health impact

Question 2.18-24 Question 2.25-27 Question 2.28-32 Question 2.33-38Minimal Local, short-term

population loss, no significant ecosystem effect

No services affected1 Up to 10,000 Euro No social disruption. Local, mild, short-term reversible effects to individuals.

Minor Some ecosystem impact, reversible changes, localised

Local and temporary, reversible effects to one or few services

10,000-100,000 Euro Significant concern expressed at local level. Mild short-term reversible effects to identifiable groups, localised.

Moderate Measureable long-term damage to populations and ecosystem, but little spread, no extinction

Measureable, temporary, local and reversible effects on one or several services

100,000-1,000,000 Euro Temporary changes to normal activities at local level. Minor irreversible effects and/or larger numbers covered by reversible effects, localised.

Major Long-term irreversible ecosystem change, spreading beyond local area

Local and irreversible or widespread and reversible effects on one / several services

1,000,000-10,000,000 Euro Some permanent change of activity locally, concern expressed over wider area. Significant irreversible effects locally or reversible effects over large area.

Massive Widespread, long-term population loss or extinction, affecting several species with serious ecosystem effects

Widespread and irreversible effects on one / several services

Above 10,000,000 Euro Long-term social change, significant loss of employment, migration from affected area. Widespread, severe, long-term, irreversible health effects.

1 Not to be confused with „no impact“.

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ANNEX 98. Scoring of Confidence Levels (modified from Bacher et al. 2017)

Confidence level DescriptionLow There is no direct observational evidence to support the assessment, e.g. only inferred data have been used as supporting evidence

and/or Impacts are recorded at a spatial scale which is unlikely to be relevant to the assessment area and/or Evidence is poor and difficult to interpret, e.g. because it is strongly ambiguous and/or The information sources are considered to be of low quality or contain information that is unreliable.

Medium There is some direct observational evidence to support the assessment, but some information is inferred and/or Impacts are recor-ded at a small spatial scale, but rescaling of the data to relevant scales of the assessment area is considered reliable, or to embrace little uncertainty and/or The interpretation of the data is to some extent ambiguous or contradictory.

High There is direct relevant observational evidence to support the assessment (including causality) and Impacts are recorded at a com-parable scale and/or There are reliable/good quality data sources on impacts of the taxa and The interpretation of data/informa-tion is straightforward and/or Data/information are not controversial or contradictory.

Very high There is direct relevant observational evidence to support the assessment (including causality) from the risk assessment area and Impacts are recorded at a comparable scale and There are reliable/good quality data sources on impacts of the taxa and The interpretation of data/information is straightforward and Data/information are not controversial or contradictory.

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ANNEX 109. Ecosystem services classification (CICES V4.3) and examples

For the purposes of this risk analysis, please feel free to use what seems as the most appropriate category / level of impact (Division – Group – Class), reflecting information available.

Section Division Group Class Examples

Provisioning Nutrition Biomass Cultivated crops Cereals (e.g. wheat, rye, barely), vegetables, fruits etc. Reared animals and their outputs Meat, dairy products (milk, cheese, yoghurt), honey etc. Wild plants, algae and their outputs Wild berries, fruits, mushrooms, water cress, salicornia (saltwort or sam-

phire); seaweed (e.g. Palmaria palmata = dulse, dillisk) for food Wild animals and their outputs Game, freshwater fish (trout, eel etc.), marine fish (plaice, sea bass etc.) and

shellfish (i.e. crustaceans, molluscs), as well as equinoderms or honey har-vested from wild populations; Includes commercial and subsistence fishing and hunting for food

Plants and algae from in-situ aquaculture In situ seaweed farming

Animals from in-situ aquaculture In-situ farming of freshwater (e.g. trout) and marine fish (e.g. salmon, tuna) also in floating cages; shellfish aquaculture (e.g. oysters or crustaceans) in e.g. poles

Water Surface water for drinking Collected precipitation, abstracted surface water from rivers, lakes and other open water bodies for drinking

Ground water for drinking Freshwater abstracted from (non-fossil) groundwater layers or via ground water desalination for drinking

Materials Biomass Fibres and other materials from plants, algae and animals for direct use or processing

Fibres, wood, timber, flowers, skin, bones, sponges and other products, which are not further processed; material for production e.g. industrial prod-ucts such as cellulose for paper, cotton for clothes, packaging material; chemicals extracted or synthesised from algae, plants and animals such as turpentine, rubber, flax, oil, wax, resin, natural remedies and medicines (e.g. chondritin from sharks), dyes and colours, ambergris (from sperm whales used in perfumes); Includes consumptive ornamental uses.

Materials from plants, algae and animals for agricultural use

Plant, algae and animal material (e.g. grass) for fodder and fertilizer in agri-culture and aquaculture

Genetic materials from all biota Genetic material from wild plants, algae and animals for biochemical indus-trial and pharmaceutical processes e.g. medicines, fermentation, detoxifica-tion; bio-prospecting activities e.g. wild species used in breeding pro-grammes etc.

Water Surface water for non-drinking purposes Collected precipitation, abstracted surface water from rivers, lakes and other open water bodies for domestic use (washing, cleaning and other non-drink-

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ing use), irrigation, livestock consumption, industrial use (consumption and cooling) etc.

Ground water for non-drinking purposes Freshwater abstracted from (non-fossil) groundwater layers or via ground water desalination for domestic use (washing, cleaning and other non-drink-ing use), irrigation, livestock consumption, industrial use (consumption and cooling) etc.

Energy Biomass-based energy sources

Plant-based resources Wood fuel, straw, energy plants, crops and algae for burning and energy pro-duction

Animal-based resources Dung, fat, oils, cadavers from land, water and marine animals for burning and energy production

Mechanical energy

Animal-based energy Physical labour provided by animals (horses, elephants etc.)

Regulation & Maintenance

Mediation of waste, toxics and other nui-sances

Mediation by biota

Bio-remediation by micro-organisms, algae, plants, and animals

Bio-chemical detoxification/decomposition/mineralisation in land/soil, fresh-water and marine systems including sediments; decomposition/detoxifica-tion of waste and toxic materials e.g. waste water cleaning, degrading oil spills by marine bacteria, (phyto)degradation, (rhizo)degradation etc.

Filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation by micro-organisms, algae, plants, and animals

Biological filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation of pollutants in land/soil, freshwater and marine biota, adsorption and binding of heavy met-als and organic compounds in biota

Mediation by ecosystems

Filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation by ecosystems

Bio-physicochemical filtration/sequestration/storage/accumulation of pollu-tants in land/soil, freshwater and marine ecosystems, including sediments; adsorption and binding of heavy metals and organic compounds in ecosys-tems (combination of biotic and abiotic factors)

Dilution by atmosphere, freshwater and ma-rine ecosystems

Bio-physico-chemical dilution of gases, fluids and solid waste, wastewater in atmosphere, lakes, rivers, sea and sediments

Mediation of smell/noise/visual impacts Visual screening of transport corridors e.g. by trees; Green infrastructure to reduce noise and smells

Mediation of flows

Mass flows Mass stabilisation and control of erosion rates Erosion / landslide / gravity flow protection; vegetation cover protecting/sta-bilising terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems, coastal wetlands, dunes; vegetation on slopes also preventing avalanches (snow, rock), erosion pro-tection of coasts and sediments by mangroves, sea grass, macroalgae, etc.

Buffering and attenuation of mass flows Transport and storage of sediment by rivers, lakes, sea

Liquid flows Hydrological cycle and water flow mainte-nance

Capacity of maintaining baseline flows for water supply and discharge; e.g. fostering groundwater; recharge by appropriate land coverage that captures effective rainfall; includes drought and water scarcity aspects.

Flood protection Flood protection by appropriate land coverage; coastal flood prevention by mangroves, sea grass, macroalgae, etc. (supplementary to coastal protection

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by wetlands, dunes) Gaseous / air

flowsStorm protection Natural or planted vegetation that serves as shelter belts

Ventilation and transpiration Natural or planted vegetation that enables air ventilation Maintenance

of physical, chemical, bio-logical condi-tions

Lifecycle main-tenance, habi-tat and gene pool protection

Pollination and seed dispersal Pollination by bees and other insects; seed dispersal by insects, birds and other animals

Maintaining nursery populations and habitats Habitats for plant and animal nursery and reproduction e.g. seagrasses, mi-crostructures of rivers etc.

Pest and disease control

Pest control Pest and disease control including invasive alien species

Disease control In cultivated and natural ecosystems and human populations Soil formation

and composition

Weathering processes Maintenance of bio-geochemical conditions of soils including fertility, nutri-ent storage, or soil structure; includes biological, chemical, physical weather-ing and pedogenesis

Decomposition and fixing processes Maintenance of bio-geochemical conditions of soils by decomposition/min-eralisation of dead organic material, nitrification, denitrification etc.), N-fix-ing and other bio-geochemical processes;

Water conditions

Chemical condition of freshwaters Maintenance / buffering of chemical composition of freshwater column and sediment to ensure favourable living conditions for biota e.g. by denitrifica-tion, re-mobilisation/re-mineralisation of phosphorous, etc.

Chemical condition of salt waters Maintenance / buffering of chemical composition of seawater column and sediment to ensure favourable living conditions for biota e.g. by denitrifica-tion, re-mobilisation/re-mineralisation of phosphorous, etc.

Atmospheric composition and climate regulation

Global climate regulation by reduction of greenhouse gas concentrations

Global climate regulation by greenhouse gas/carbon sequestration by terres-trial ecosystems, water columns and sediments and their biota; transport of carbon into oceans (DOCs) etc.

Micro and regional climate regulation Modifying temperature, humidity, wind fields; maintenance of rural and ur-ban climate and air quality and regional precipitation/temperature patterns

Cultural Physical and in-tellectual inter-actions with biota, ecosys-tems, and land-/

Physical and experiential interactions

Experiential use of plants, animals and land-/seascapes in different environmental settings

In-situ whale and bird watching, snorkelling, diving etc.

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seascapes [en-vironmental settings]

Physical use of land-/seascapes in different en-vironmental settings

Walking, hiking, climbing, boating, leisure fishing (angling) and leisure hunt-ing

Intellectual and representative interactions

Scientific Subject matter for research both on location and via other media

Educational Subject matter of education both on location and via other media

Heritage, cultural Historic records, cultural heritage e.g. preserved in water bodies and soils

Entertainment Ex-situ viewing/experience of natural world through different media Aesthetic Sense of place, artistic representations of nature

Spiritual, sym-bolic and other interactions with biota, ecosystems, and land-/seascapes [en-vironmental settings]

Spiritual and/or emblematic

Symbolic Emblematic plants and animals e.g. national symbols such as American eagle, British rose, Welsh daffodil

Sacred and/or religious Spiritual, ritual identity e.g. 'dream paths' of native Australians, holy places; sacred plants and animals and their parts

Other cultural outputs

Existence Enjoyment provided by wild species, wilderness, ecosystems, land-/seascapes

Bequest Willingness to preserve plants, animals, ecoystems, land-/seascapes for the experience and use of future generations; moral/ethical perspective or belief

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ANNEX 1110. EU Biogeographical Regions and MSFD Subregions See https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/biogeographical-regions-in-europe-2 and https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/msfd-regions-and-subregions/technical-document/pdf

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https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/msfd-regions-and-subregions/technical-document/pdf

https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/figures/biogeographical-regions-in-europe-2


ANNEX 1211. Evidence on measures and their implementation cost and cost-effectiveness

Species (common name) Striped eel catfishSpecies (scientific name) Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787)Date Completed 17.11.17Authors Marika Galanidi, Argyro Zenetos, Jack SewellVersion V2_ 6.10.17

Description of measures Assessment of implementation cost and cost-effect-iveness (per measure)

Level of confid-ence

Methods to achieve prevention (P1-P4)

P1. Installation of high-salinity locks in the Suez Canal (Goren & Galil, 2005) / Rein-stating the former salinity barrier of the Bitter Lakes (Galil et al., 2017)

Policy co-ordination at the regional level, including non EU states (Barcelona Con-vention).

This is a major technical and financial undertaking, requiring international co-operation. Edelist et al. (2013) consider this a highly impractical suggestion.

To date, proposed management measures for species introductions in the Mediterranean in the framework of the Barcelona convention have excluded introduc-tions through the Suez Canal (Galil et al., 2016).

Moreover, in the framework of the MSFD, Descriptor 2 (Non-indigenous species), species enter-ing through the Suez Canal are excluded from indic-ator 2.1.1 (i.e.trends in abundance, temporal occur-rence and spatial distribution in the wild of non-indi-genous species, particularly invasive non-indigenous

Medium The much lower rate of species in-troductions through the Panama Canal, which includes a locked freshwater corridor (consist-ing partly of the natural Gatun Lake) and the in-crease in species introductions through the Suez Canal after the sa-linity changes in

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species, notably in risk areas, in relation to the main vectors and pathways of spreading of such species). COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2017/848. See also Palialexis et al. (2015).

the Bitter Lakes and the Nile estu-ary provide evid-ence that a salinity barrier could be an effective solution for the canal path-way (Gollasch, 2011). However, despite the recent enlargement (2015) and no sa-linity barrier, the number of new in-troductions in the Mediterranean via the Suez appears to be declining after 2015 (Zenetos, 2017)

Methods to achieve preven-tion (P1-P3)

P2. To prevent ESCAPE from confinement from open or semi-open circulation aquaria: stricter control/enforcement of cleaning operations (filters, disinfection), especially at the outlet to the sea

Awareness raising campaigns run in association with aquarium suppliers, and Improved biosecurity meas-ures in private, public and research aquaria would ad-dress a potential pathway for a range of species, providing value beyond the management of P. lin-eatus.

Low

P3. To prevent intentional RELEASE from private domestic aquaria: awareness cam-paigns to educate the public on the threats posed by P. lineatus to the environment,

Awareness raising campaigns run in association with aquarium suppliers, trade organisations and aquarist forums already exist but it is difficult to assess the long-term effectiveness of these programmes.

Low

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Marika, 31/07/18,

Pathways of Introduction have been renamed and have a slightly different scope (see relevant section). This statement fits better with P3: measures to prevent intentional release from domestic aquaria


ecosystem services and human well-being. Public aquaria could also serve as a useful educa-tional tool in promoting awareness.

P4. Prohibit trade ofby including P. lin-eatus by including it in EU 1143/2014

the Annexes of the CITES convention, in order to prevent introduction and spread into EU countries where the species is not present through aquarium trade.

This method has not been implemented before but it has been proposed for other invasive species, e.g. for the marine fish Neogobius melanostomus – Verrey-cken, 2013).Monetary estimates are not available. However, since the CITES Convention is already in place, additional costs for the amendment of the Annexes are not ex-pected to be high. On the other hand, trade prohibi-tion could result in loss of income in the aquarium trade industry.

Existing (but limited) information indicates that P. lineatus as an ornamental species is not very highly in demand by European aquarists and has a limited distribution in large public/private aquaria and re-search facilities (Murray & Watson, 2014; OATA/EPO/OFI, pers.comm), thus, a ban on sale would be unlikely to have a major impact on the aquarium in-dustry. A potential ban however may have negative implications for public aquaria and research institu-tions.

Medium

Methods to achieve eradica-tion (E1-E3)

Theoretically, eradication may be possible for localised, newly established popula-tions at low densities with limited dispersal capabilities (Delaney & Leung, 2010; Ojaveer et al, 2015). This would require an early warning system, monitoring efforts and a removal program.

Physical removal of invasive species is generally en-dorsed by informed stakeholders, as long as it can easily be stopped and has no long-term consequences for the marine environment (Thresher & Kuris 2004)In the marine environment, eradication of naturally dispersing species is generally considered unrealistic and has only been achieved in a handful of cases, when the introduced species had sessile adult stages, the populations were small and restricted, human and

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Marika, 26/07/18,

This issue is up to the EC to assess.

Marika, 26/07/18,

Comment from OATA: “In relation to socio-economic impacts, we consider it important that the financial impacts of any import ban which is implemented at an EU wide level be considered and that this must take into account financial losses to the ornamental aquatic industry, to public aquaria and to research institutions (and any financial losses arising via Access & Benefits sharing). The RA authors should also advise as to how they would propose to deal with any such requests that may potentially be made by research institutions for a derogation from any potential import ban given that Plotosus lineatus is used in biomedical research.”

Marika, 07/25/18,

Comment from OATA: “Although we are aware that previously the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations did enable invasive species to be listed under CITES, this became defunct when the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulations became the prime policy. We would therefore be wholly opposed to any proposal to list a nonendangered species using CITES as a mechanism to prohibit trade. We do not believe that such a measure would be adequate nor efficient to reduce the risk (as outlined by Verreycken, 2013), given the magnitude of the priority pathway of transmission i.e. Lessepsian migration via the Suez Canal of Plotosus lineatus. We also believe that any such proposal to use CITES in this way would essentially undermine the EU IAS process and indeed the very existence of the EU IAS Regulations.”

Marika, 25/07/18,

This has now been amended


Why CITES? Why not EU 1143/2014?


financial resources were available, and early action was taken (Williams & Grosholz, 2008).Nevertheless, population control that leads to minim-ising the severity of impacts and the risk of transfer to yet uncolonised areas is considered feasible (Ojaveer et al., 2015).

E1. Early warning systems / awareness raising

Such initiatives are in place for Plotosus lineatus in a number of Mediterranean EU countries, if not on official species lists, at least through the networks of local/regional experts with stakeholders (see Annex of the RA document), national and regional col-laboration platforms on invasive/alien spe-cies (e.g. ESENIAS, Karachle et al., 2017; ELNAIS), citizen science programmes and the press (see Q1.7a of the RA Document).

As an indication of effectiveness, awareness cam-paigns in the public media on Pterois miles have led to its early detection in Italy (Sicily: Azzurro et al, 2017), Greece (Rhodes: Corsini-Foka & Kondylatos in Crocetta et al., 2015), Cyprus (Kletou et al., 2016).

Part of the work can be materialized within the framework of existing programs, such as the Horizon 2020 ‘Doing It Together Science’ (DITOs) project, in which the European Citizen Scientist Association is involved and coordinate a series of events and activi-ties with the aim to provide networking opportunities and to facilitate the exchange of good practices for the BioBlitz approach. BioBlitz events are important opportunities for public engagement with science, en-vironmental management and policy. These are broad scale and not specific to Plotosus lineatus.Another tool for effective knowledge exchange.is the network of networks (INVASIVESNET ) which aims to facilitate greater understanding and improved management of invasive alien species (IAS) and bio-

Medium

Early warning sys-tems have proved effective for the early detection of Lessepsian invas-ive fishes.

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logical invasions globally (Lucy et al., 2016).

E2.Monitoring

Monitoring can be achieved through sci-entific (e.g. MEDITS International bottom trawl survey in the Mediterranean Sea) and fisheries dependent surveys and should fo-cus on the areas of the first expected entry points via natural dispersal. These are: Sicily (IT) from Tunisia, Cyprus from Syria and/or Turkey and the Dodecanese islands (GR) from Turkey once P. lineatus reaches the Aegean coast of Turkey.

A cost effective method, utilising existing survey programmes and commercial fishing activities.

E3.Removal program

Direct removal with intensive targeted fish-ery, especially during the spawning period, i.e. trawling in shallow waters in the sum-mer months. Alternatively, concerted ef-forts with multiple gears can be employed, e.g. seine nets, cages, spearfishing, angling.

This presents major problems as it goes against EU Regulation 1967/2006, which bans trawling at depths shallower than 50m throughout the year and addi-tional fisheries restrictions implemented nationally in EU countries, mostly in the spring and summer months, to protect spawning stocks of commercial and other protected species. P. lineatus has been cap-tured with different fishing methods as well, i.e. seine nets, cages, spearfishing (Ali et al., 2015, 2017), an-gling (Gil Rilov, pers.comm), but the efficiency of these gears for large-scale removal is not known.Eradication has not been attempted for Plotosus lin-eatus in the invaded range but it is not expected to be a cost-effective, ecologically acceptable and realistic option. The deposition of eggs under rocks and debris

Medium Eradication at-tempts for marine fish species are limited to a small number of species and indicate that success in unlikely

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Marika, 07/25/18,

In the guidelines to this document authors are asked to “Consider all methods that might be applied, including any that have not proven useful.”We are in agreement that this is not an acceptable option and we state this clearly in the adjacent comments box.See also added text re alternative fishing methods.


But this in unthinkable of many good reasons!


and the parental care protect the eggs, whereas the general preference and spawning in shallow areas renders possible eradication measures (e.g. by trawl-ing) destructive for native species and habitats, par-ticularly sensitive habitats, such as reefs and seagrass beds. Additionally, local eradication would require ongoing, long-term, regular interjections due to the ongoing risk of re-introduction and spread from sur-rounding populations or through the Suez canal.A case where one could derive information to arrive at a monetary estimate is that of Lagocephalus scel-eratus in Cyprus. They implemented a targeted fish-ery program by collective groups of artisanal profes-sional fishermen. The amount paid to beneficiaries was based on the weight of fish that they would catch and deliver to an authorized waste management com-pany (€3/kg). The amount paid to fishermen was ap-proximately 145.000 € for two eradication campaigns during the reproductive season in 2011 and 2012 (DFMR Cyprus 2011, 2012) and eradication was not successful, however the species was already well es-tablished in Cyprus and has pelagic life stages. Eradi-cation attempts of the lionfish Pterois volitans in the Carribean have also demonstrated that complete eradication is unlikely but population control under certain conditions is possible (Barbour et al., 2011; Frazer et al., 2012, Green et al. 2014).

Methods to achieve manage-ment (M1 – M5)

M1. Population control and/or “contain-ment” through targeted fishing activit-ies.If eradication is not possible at the core of Containment/population control would most likely

MediumThere is some

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the species’ distribution, in which case re-introduction through natural dispersal will be very likely, it could still be theoretically possible to contain the invader and control the newly established populations (Grosholz & Ruiz, 2002) with targeted fishing activities surrounding the core or new populations within a radius slightly larger than the yearly dispersal capability (Edwards & Leung, 2009).

require a long-term commitment over consecutive years over localized areas (Barbour et al., 2011) and would involve a considerable cost. As with eradica-tion campaigns, it may require changes in legislation on fishing restrictions and prove detrimental to other species and habitats. The lack of a larval pelagic phase (Leis, 1993) and the preference of P. lineatus for shallow waters will act as impediments to rapid dispersal and may facilitate containment efforts.

evidence from the lionfish case that population control of an invasive mar-ine fish is feasible, but with com-pletely different methods (culling by spearfishing)

M2. Human consumption, commercial fisheries and the Discard BanAnother control measure that has been im-plemented for marine invasive fishes is to encourage human consumption (Nunez et al 2012 and the example of Pterois volit-ans). In this context, including P. lineatus in the list of species covered by the land-ings obligation of the EU CFP (a.k.a. the Discard Ban) could promote commercial exploitation, alleviate some of the eco-nomic and health impacts of the species, and help control human-assisted spread through fisheries discards.

In its native range P. lineatus is considered edible and is exploited by small scale fishers (Vijayaku-maran 1997; Manikandarajan et al. 2014).

The relevant legislation has not been implemented yet (i.e. the relevant EU Regulations for the landings obligations) but a similar solution has been proposed for the invasive fish Neogobius melanostomus in the Baltic Sea (Ojaveer et al. 2015). An argument against this practice is that encouraging commercial utilisa-tion risks institutionalising a pest (Thresher & Kuris, 2004). However, if the species is already well estab-lished, a commercial, regulated fishery may be the best option for long term population control and damage restriction. AdditionallyOn the other hand, even though it P. lineatus is not a poisonous species, public concern about the toxicity of the skin and the gland beneath the dorsal spine (Shiomi et al., 1988), may make consumption problematic.

Low

M3. Regional co-ordination and policy in- This would be important both for monitoring and for

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Marika, 25/07/18,

Ok, see added text


Theoretically… If commercial fishery is started after the species is well established it is alla bout restricting damage.

Marika, 26/07/18,

Agree, this has been removed


Completely different species, easy to target.Cannot be compared with P. lineatus.


tegration with non-EU countries bordering the Mediterranean where P. lineatus is already present or expected to arrive

containment efforts between introduction “hotspots” and surrounding populations.P. lineatus is already included in the priority list of non-indigenous species for monitoring in relation to fisheries in the East Mediterranean in a pilot study by FAO/GFCM (UNEP/MAP, 2017). The proposal is that the species is monitored through the Data Col-lection Reference Framework (DCRF) (CFP require-ment) of EU Member States and the discards monit-oring program of the GFCM (GFCM – UNEP/MAP, 2018).

M4. The EU Trade control and Expert System (TRACES) could be adjusted to gather compulsory information on the in-tra-EU trade of P. lineatus as an orna-mental species (Biondo 2017). This system can currently be used to track imports of the species from third countries.

Builds on existing mechanism and could help track the spread of P. lineatus through the aquarium trade in EU countries

Low

M5. For the mitigation of impacts: aware-ness campaigns to fishermen and the gen-eral public for the dangerous sting of the species and how to safely handle the organ-ism and treat the injuries

A recent study reporting on injuries from P. lineatus in Israel between 2007-2016 (Bentur et al., 2017) hy-pothesized that a decrease in the number of cases re-corded by the Israel Poison Information Center after 2009 might be related (among other reasons) to the awareness of victims and physicians to the generally mild nature of the injury and the favourable response to supportive treatment.

High

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ali, M., Saad, A., & Soliman, A. (2015). Expansion confirmation of the Indo-Pacific catfish, Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg , 1787 ), (Siluri-formes : Plotosidae ) into Syrian marine waters. American Journal of Biology and Life Sciences, 3, 7–11

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Ali, M., Saad, A., Ali, A. L. & Capapé C. (2017). Additional records of striped eel catfish Plotosus lineatus (Osteichthyes: Plotosidae) from the Syrian Coast (Eastern Mediterranean). Thalassia Salentina. 39, 3-8

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