Building the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN): a novel approach for the exploration of distributed alien species data

Abstract

The European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN; http://easin.jrc.ec.europa.eu) aims to facilitate the exploration of existing alien species information from distributed sources through a network of interoperable web services, and to assist the implementation of European policies on biological invasions. The network allows extraction of alien species information from online information systems for all species included in the EASIN catalogue. This catalogue was based on an inventory of reported alien species in Europe that was produced by reviewing and standardizing information from 43 online databases. It includes information on taxonomy, synonyms, common names, pathways of introduction, native range in Europe, and impact. EASIN catalogue entails the basic information needed to efficiently link to existing online databases and retrieve spatial information for alien species distribution in Europe. Using search functionality powered by a widget framework, it is possible to make a tailored selection of a subgroup of species based on various criteria (e.g., environment, taxonomy, pathways). Distribution maps of the selected species can be produced dynamically and downloaded by the user. The EASIN web tools and services follow internationally recognized standards and protocols, and can be utilized freely and independently by any website, while ownership of the data remains with its source, which is properly cited and linked.

Ornamental fish in pet stores in Greece: a threat to biodiversity?

“…As for conservation status, the IUCN red list was equally utilised (IUCN, 2012), and in the case of data that could not be derived from Fishbase, scientific literature mining was conducted. Species that have established alien populations out of their natural range (globally and in European waters) were identified by searching either Fishbase or the EASIN database (Katsanevakis et al, 2012), respectively.…”

Invading the Mediterranean Sea: biodiversity patterns shaped by human activities

“…By harmonizing and integrating information that has often been collected based on different protocols and is distributed in various sources (Gatto et al, 2013), the needed knowledge basis to assess the distribution and status of marine alien species can be built. Recently, the European Alien Species Information Network (EASIN; Katsanevakis et al, 2012) increased the accessibility to alien species spatial information by creating a network of interoperable web services through which data in distributed sources is accessed. Integrated distribution maps of single species or species aggregations can be easily produced with EASIN's freely available mapping tools.…”

Distribution map ofAmbrosia artemisiifoliaL. (Asteraceae) in Italy

“…According to European policies [European Regulation (EU) No 1143No /2014 there is an urgent need for comprehensive information about occurrence, distribution and impacts of alien species to implement effective management measures aiming at contrasting their invasion and spread (EC 2011;Katsanevakis et al 2012). Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) is an annual weed native to the prairie regions of North America; in Europe it is an alien species (neophyte) that has became of main concern due to both its invasiveness (Chauvel et al 2006;Galzina et al 2010;Gladieux et al 2011) and its negative effect on human health as it produces highly allergenic pollen (Ghiani et al 2012).…”