First record of Ophioblennius atlanticus (Valenciennes, 1836) in italian waters, with considerations on effective nis monitoring in mediterranean marine protected areas

Abstract

On July 2017 during a scientific survey, a single individual of Ophioblennius atlanticus (Valenciennes, 1836) was caught at the entrance of Lampedusa harbour, in proximity to the Marine Protected Area of the Pelagie Islands. This record confirms the introduction of this fish into Mediterranean waters, adding a new species to the list of Italian NIS. Possible pathways of introduction and the relevance of this finding for Mediterranean MPAs are briefly discussed.