Rapid assessment survey of marine alien species in the Albanian and Montenegrin coast.
The aim of this study was to make an inventory of marine alien species in the Albanian and Montenegrin coasts, to assess patterns of their occupancy across the Ionian-Adriatic border and investigate the presence and establishment success of potential alien invaders.
Based on the distribution of established alien species in the neighbouring area (central Mediterranean, Ionian Sea), a list of potential invaders is presented as a risk assessment tool. Such information will increase the understanding of the invasion patterns of marine alien species in the Adriatic Sea, and will be useful in future evaluations of invasion rates and impact assessments.
Analysis of the existing data about marine alien species in Albania and Montenegro has been carried out in the initial phase, including the unpublished data and information, too.
These additions have considerably increased the previous list and were useful for a more updated check list and a better understanding of the invasion patterns of marine alien species in the two countries. They are also helpful in evaluations of invasion rates and impact assessments for further studies.