Stopping the tide: Best practices and solutions to tackle marine invasive alien species (IAS)

This session will address one of the major threats to marine and coastal ecosystems, invasive alien species (IAS). All oceans on the planet have been affected by biological invasions, and the rate of new introductions is showing no signs of slowing down. Once established in a new area marine IAS are almost impossible to eradicate, making the development and implementation of cost-effective preventative measures critical if we are to mitigate their impacts to biodiversity and human well-being. Using concrete case studies from around the world and by sharing ideas and lessons learned, this session will identify current challenges, areas for priority action and collaboration, present best practices, and tools to support decision-making that effectively manage the major pathways of introduction of IAS. This event will bring together a diverse community of stakeholders associated with the use of marine waters, including environmental protection, tourism and recreation, education, transport.