CONTRIBUTION TO THE SETTING UP OF A MONITORING PROGRAMME FOR NON-INDIGENOUS SPECIES IN MONASTIR BAY, TUNISIA

Rapid identification of new invasive marine species is a critical element of prevention their dispersal and to promote an effective surveillance procedure for ecological monitoring. Within this context, Tunisia has developed a holistic and comprehensive national monitoring programme for biodiversity and non-indigenous species (NIS) with the support of the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity center (SPA/RAC). The objective of this work is to elaborate a first checklist of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) in the risk areas with a spotlight on the "worst" invasive species in Monastir Bay. It is also aimed to identify Risk Areas in Monastir Bay. Distribution maps are already drawn to visualize hotspots and to prevents the future spread of those invaders. During the summer of 2018, six ports, two aquaculture farms and Kuriat islands (future Marine and coastal Protected Areas MCPA) were surveyed for the presence of NIS. Diverse survey methods were employed. These included, Rapid Assessment Surveys of epibiota on artificial structures in harbors, a standardized one-hour transects by snorkeling and diving of infra-littoral species. A total of 14 alien species were recorded: 36% Mollusca, 22% chlorophyta 7% Polychaeta, 7% Magnoliopsida, 7% Rhodophyta, 7%Asidiacea, 7% Crustacea and 7% Porifera. Most of these aliens are represented by warm-water species.