Invasive Alien Fish Species off the Libyan Coast and Their Impact on Marine Ecosystems(Current Situation and Future Prospects)

Abstract

The spread of invasive fish species in the Mediterranean Sea is considered an environmental problem. The cause of this invasion was the construction of the Suez Canal and the resulting migration of alien fish species from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, ballast water and aquaculture have played a role in the spread and establishment of invasive fish species in the Mediterranean environment in general, and along the Libyan coast in particular. This study was therefore undertaken to identify the true causes behind this invasion and to determine whether climate change played a role in the proliferation of these species and their concentration along the Libyan coast. The study relied on an analysis of the geographical distribution of these fish, the identification of their species, and the consequences of their spread. It employed an analytical and objective approach, utilizing ecological distribution models and climate change scenarios to produce maps forecasting the future distribution of invasive fish species in the Mediterranean environment and along the Libyan coast for the period 2026–2040. The study reached several conclusions, the most significant of which was that climate change and ballast water played a key role in facilitating the proliferation of invasive fish species along the Libyan coast; the most prominent of these were the rabbitfish and the bannerfish. Forecasts indicated that there would be a serious spread of invasive fish species along the eastern coast, whilst the spread along the western coast would be less severe. The study recommended working to strictly enforce the Ballast Water Management Convention in the main Mediterranean ports (including Libyan ports such as Tripoli and Benghazi), as well as raising awareness amongst fishermen and holidaymakers of the dangers posed by invasive fish species and their types, whilst enforcing the Ministry of Marine Resources’ Decision (2024) prohibiting the sale or trade of the poisonous rabbitfish, in order to protect citizens’ lives, and ensuring its safe disposal.