DAISIE

The general objectives of DAISIE are:

1. To create an inventory of invasive species that threaten European terrestrial, fresh-water and marine environments
2. To structure the inventory to provide the basis for prevention and control of biological invasions through the understanding of the environmental, social, economic and other factors involved
3. To assess and summarise the ecological, economic and health risks and impacts of the most widespread and/or noxious invasive species
4. To use distribution data and the experiences of the individual Member States as a framework for considering indicators for early warning

DAISIE is a pivotal instrument in developing a Europe-wide strategy that encompasses both the geographical scale of the problem and unites the study of different taxa in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. With direct access to national knowledge bases throughout Europe, those addressing the invasive alien species challenge will easily obtain data on which species are invasive or potentially invasive in particular habitats, and use this information in their planning efforts. Data has been collated for vertebrates, invertebrates, marine and inland aquatic organisms as well as plants from up to 97 countries/regions (including islands) in the wider Europe. Over 248 datasets have been assembled and verified by experts, representing the largest database on invasive species in the world. Access to this resource is provided through three main search facilities:

• • • Search for information on one of the 12122 alien species occurring in Europe
    • Search for one of the 835 experts on biological invasions in Europe
    • Search regions to explore the alien species threats across Europe, for 81 countries/regions (including islands) and 57 coastal and marine areas.

Reliable, detailed information on the most invasive alien species in Europe is an essential tool for preventing their spread and impact, and for applying effective and appropriate control strategies. Using DAISIE's major resource on the distribution of non-native species in Europe (~250 checklists), we have identified ‘100 of the worst’ invasive aliens in Europe, covering a broad spectrum of life forms and representing some of the worst species in terms of their impact on biodiversity, economy and health. Species accounts for these species provide information on their biology and ecology, habitat and distributions (including detailed maps), introduction pathways, invasion trends, impacts and management methods including ways of prevention.