The Protection of the Marine Environment Against Alien Invasive Species : International Law and Policy Responses

Invasive alien species constitute the number two threat to marine biodiversity after habitat destruction. The problem today is growing tremendously, as the introduction of these species is accelerated by activities related to globalisation, such as trade, transport, travel, and tourism. The marine environment is particularly vulnerable to invasions by alien species due to the various pathways (ballast water, hull fouling, or escapes from aquaculture facilities) and other factors influencing the spread of invasive species, including climate change. This book shows possibilities to further improve the international regime addressing the alien invasive species issue. Apart from the relevant multilateral environmental treaties and soft law instruments, other tools-such as marine protected areas or means to improve compliance including economic instruments-are assessed. The focus of this book is on how to strengthen the existing regime and to promote effective implementation of the relevant provisions. The book will be of interest to academics in the field of international environmental law and the law of the sea, but it is also addressed to policymakers on the national, European, and international level responsible for the protection of the marine environment, as well as to practitioners in the marine transport sector. Dissertation. (Series: Humanity, Earth and Law in the Third Millennium (HEAL3), Vol. 2) [Subject: International Environmental Law]