Human activities associated with non-indigenous species
The drivers are related to a series of human activities which may affect the rate of NIS introduction, and eventually their impact on marine biodiversity. The human activities addressed in this assessment are: 1) Aggregates extraction; 2) Agriculture; 3) Aquaculture; 4) Fisheries; 5) Oil/gas production (structures or pipelines); 6) Renewable energy structures; 7) Shipping; 8) Recreational boating, angling; and 9) Climate change (global change) as an indirect consequence of human activity. Human activities associated with these nine areas are distributed widely across the North-East Atlantic, but the intensity of the activities and of the pressures they impose on the marine environment and NIS vary greatly between OSPAR Regions and sub-divisions. Some sea areas are affected by multiple activities; in others, only a few may be significant. Overall, there is an expectation of higher activity towards 2030 for Aquaculture, Renewable energy and Tourism, and of increasing impacts from Climate change. (see Table A.1 of the Human Activity Thematic Assessment)
Below is a short description of the most important human activities identified as relevant to the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species:
Extraction of oil and gas, including infrastructure [Extraction of non-living resources]:
The need for energy security has meant that oil and gas development has remained constant in most areas, although there are decreases in some (see: Offshore Industry Thematic Assessment ). The addition of infrastructure associated with oil and gas extraction to the marine environment can introduce hard substrate for colonisation by marine organisms, including non-indigenous species. The shipping of oil and gas can also translocate non-indigenous species (see Transport - Shipping below).
Extraction of minerals [Extraction of non-living resources]:
The extraction of sand and gravel for use in construction projects results in habitat changes, which may then be conducive to NIS settlement. (See: Extraction of Non-Living Resources Feeder Report )
Renewable energy generation (wind, wave and tidal power), including infrastructure [Production of energy]:
The addition of infrastructure associated with renewable energy generation to the marine environment can introduce hard substrate which provides stepping-stones for accelerating colonisation by marine organisms, including non-indigenous species. (See: Offshore Renewable Energy Generation Feeder Report )
Marine aquaculture including infrastructure (and potentially freshwater aquaculture) [Cultivation of living resources]:
Non-indigenous species can also be cultivated, and the infrastructure associated with such aquaculture can introduce substrate into the marine environment for colonisation by marine organisms, including non-indigenous species. NIS escapees from aquaculture may also be sources of spread. (See: Aquaculture Feeder Report )
Tourism and leisure infrastructure [Tourism and leisure]:
The addition of infrastructure associated with tourism and leisure to the marine environment can introduce substrate for colonisation by marine organisms, including non-indigenous species. Where equipment is moved between sites (vessels, trailers, storage containers) and not properly cleaned, there is the potential to translocate NIS. Marina and port construction is increasing (see: Recreation and Tourism Feeder Report )
Tourism and leisure activities [Tourism and leisure] and Education and Research:
Marine organisms may be transported between locations by the movement of leisure and passenger boats, equipment, and people (e.g. by (un)intentional release of unused fresh bait from recreational fishing; transfer on clothing), which can include non-indigenous species. Trends over the last decade show incremental increases in tourism and recreation activities in all OSPAR Regions. (See: Recreation and Tourism Feeder Report )
Transport – shipping [Transport]: Shipping can transport marine organisms between locations, for example in ballast water or attached to ship hulls; these can include non-indigenous species. Over the last decade, trends in the gross weight of goods handled in North-East Atlantic ports and in passenger numbers have shown little change, but future increases are anticipated. (See: Shipping and Ports Feeder Report )
Climate change :
Numerous drivers and activities (e.g., burning of fossil fuels, agriculture, deforestation) contribute to climate change, together with associated pressures linked to the distribution and abundance of non-indigenous species.
| Drivers | Pressures |