Portuguese waters currently record 231 non-indigenous marine species, representing a 75% increase compared to a decade ago, when 133 species were identified. This growth means 98 more invasive species in the waters of mainland Portugal and the Azores and Madeira archipelagos.
The phenomenon is attributed to the increase in maritime traffic, which facilitates the transfer of organisms through ballast water and fouling on ship hulls. This entry route allows species from different parts of the world to reach Portuguese marine ecosystems.
The study analyzed the evolution of invasive species over the last 10 years, covering both the mainland and the autonomous regions. The data reveal a growing and concerning trend for local marine biodiversity.
