Líffræðifélag Íslands - biologia.is
Líffræðiráðstefnan 2023

Non-indigenous species and the marine aquarium trade in Iceland

Höfundar / Authors: Joana Micael, Sæunn Júlía Sigurjónsdóttir, Sindri Gíslason

Starfsvettvangur / Affiliations: Náttúrustofa Suðvesturlands, Garðvegi 1, 245 Suðurnesjabær, Iceland

Kynnir / Presenter: Joana Micael

Human activities drive and shape patterns of biological invasions. One such activity is the aquarium trade, which involves the transportation of thousands of species across the globe. Unwanted organisms may be released into the aquatic systems, potentially triggering adverse ecological and economic consequences. A survey of Icelandic pet stores identified 1,264 marine species available to aquarium hobbyists, of which 135 have been introduced elsewhere, including eight reported as invasive. Despite Iceland’s importation regulation for pets, including marine organisms, there is no information on which species are being traded. It is essential to adopt management strategies, such as gathering information on the aquarium trade and launching educational campaigns to prevent the release of unwanted live organisms into the environment.