ROPME Non-Native Invasive Species Project and Specialized Training Workshop-“Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (As-Isk)”

The ROPME Non-Native Invasive Species Project (December 2024–December 2025) aims to address the growing threat of invasive marine species in the ROPME Sea Area (RSA), one of the world’s busiest shipping routes with up to 50,000 ships annually. These species can spread rapidly, outcompete native life, and cause severe environmental, economic, and health impacts. Coordinated from ROPME Headquarters in Kuwait, the project focuses on developing and applying screening tools and risk assessment methods to help prevent, detect, and manage harmful non-native species.
The project began with a virtual kick-off meeting on 23 December 2024, followed by a five-day in-person workshop on the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) from 5–9 January 2025. These events, attended by 34 participants from ROPME Member States, ROPME Professional Staff, and other stakeholders, introduced the project framework, built technical skills, and laid the foundation for a 10-month programme of country-based case studies, statistical assessments, GIS mapping, and reporting, culminating in a final seminar in December 2025.
Led by invasive species expert Prof. Lorenzo Vilizzi, the project will produce standardized screening tools, species distribution maps, and coordinated national and regional reports to strengthen the RSA’s ability to respond to invasive species threats. Its goals are to investigate the presence and risks of non-native invasive species in the RSA; enhance the knowledge and practical expertise of marine scientists and environmental managers in species identification and screening; build capacity across ROPME Member States through knowledge transfer, education, training, early detection, and risk assessment; and assist Member States in preparing national reports while contributing to a joint regional report on this critical issue.