Marine Non-Indigenous Species in the Pacific Islands: a desktop review

Abstract

The introduction and spread of non-indigenous marine species to Pacific Island countries and territories is a threat to biodiversity, commerce, and socio-cultural values. Yet, little is known about what marine non-indigenous species (NIS) are present throughout the Pacific Island region or what their impacts are. We define here an invasive species as an NIS if (i) the species has demonstrated impact anywhere outside its indigenous range, (ii) the species is widespread, abundant, fast-spreading or has a high population growth rate anywhere outside its indigenous range, or (iii) the species is widespread, abundant, fast spreading or has a high population growth rate in the reporting country (McGeoch et al. 2012). Not all NIS are considered harmful or “invasive”.