From LEK to LAB: The case of the blue crab Portunus segnis in the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area, central Mediterranean Sea

The Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) and particularly the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) affect biodiversity at ecosystem, habitat and species level. NIS management is primarily based on species monitoring in order to prevent their spread and to limit their impact. Different NIS monitoring methods have been developed involving citizens, especially to detect easily recognizable species and, in particular, through Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) data collection. In the present study, we report the LEK data collection conducted in the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) interviewing fishers and dive masters, particularly focusing on the Lessepsian blue crab Portunus segnis (Forskal, 1775) and the subsequent sampling and validation of the species occurrence. Fistularia commersonii, Siganus rivulatus and Percnon gibbesi were the most reported species by the interviewed fishers and dive masters. P. segnis was first signaled by dive mastersand subsequently sampled for morphological and molecular validation. The LEK experience showed the importance of the collaboration between researchers and citizens in the NIS/IAS surveillance/monitoring activity; some considerations on the importance of NIS/IAS early detection and on how to achieve a good NIS/IAS surveillance system for MPAs are discussed.

Automated summary

The Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) and particularly the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) have an impact on biodiversity, and their monitoring is important for preventing their spread. This study collected Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) data in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and focused on the Lessepsian blue crab Portunus segnis. The findings highlight the importance of collaboration between researchers and citizens in monitoring activities and provide suggestions for improving surveillance systems.