Invasive species
Mixing and interbreeding different life forms can yield happy results, but it can also have drastic consequences. Through our commercial and recreational activities we have introduced many species into areas they would otherwise never have reached. Some of these have settled in nicely and developed alongside local flora and fauna. Some have died off. But too many others have become invasive species, simply taking over an area altogether. This diminishes biodiversity and often introduces toxins into the environment. The Changing Oceans Expedition will be studying the impact of invasive species while developing solutions in places where they threaten whole ecosystems.
Topic's videos
Cumulative human impact on the Oceans
A local fisherman, Ylias, joins the expedition's scientific team, including scientists from the USA and Italy in the marine protected aera of Al Hoceima, Morocco. Their goal, validate and improve "a global map of cumulative human impact on marine ecosystems" (Science Feb 2008).
