European Information and Research Network on Aquatic Invasive Species (ERNAIS)

The development of an INTERNET-based information resources on invasive species (IS) is considered as one of the most important mechanisms of IS-related information exchange. The 2002 Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity agreed that a clearing-house mechanism will be useful to facilitate scientific and technical cooperation on IS issues, and notified the Global Invasive Species Programme as an international thematic focal point for alien species under the clearing-house mechanism, and calls on Parties, countries and relevant organizations to contribute to the creation and maintenance of the global information network, in particular to ensure effective international cooperation and expertise sharing ( CBD COP6 Decision VI/23, 2002 ). Currently relevant European international organizations and working groups are actively working on the development of information resources regarding aquatic invasive species. These resources may provide comprehensive information for management of aquatic invasive species in Europe, as well as for scientific and educational purposes ( Panov et al. 2002 ;  Panov and Gollasch 2004 ).

In 1998, the International Society of Limnology (SIL) established the Group on Aquatic Invasive Species (WGAIS). The development of an information system on invasive species on a worldwide basis is one of the main objectives of SIL WGAIS, along with providing an expert forum for development of strategies to combat further introductions ( Panov 2005 ).

In 2001 SIL WGAIS initiated broad discussion on the concept of the European information exchange network on aquatic invasive species (ERNAIS) and creation of first searchable on-line European database on experts in aquatic invasive species .

In 2002, the ERNAIS was first recognized by the European Commission (see EC Report 2 to CBD 2002. Thematic Report on Alien Invasive Species).
In late 2003, the role of ERNAIS in European cooperation on invasive alien species has been recognized by the European Strategy on Invasive Alien Species , adopted under the Bern Convention on Dec. 1, 2003.

During 2004-2008 ERNAIS activities were supported by the European Commission FP6 Programme for Research and Technological Development (via ALARM and DAISIE projects), and during 2009-2013 ERNAIS activities were supported by the European Commission FP7 Programme via EnviroGRIDS collaborative project.

Current main ERNAIS activities:
     - facilitation of international cooperation in research, scientific information exchange and management of aquatic invasive species in Europe and worldwide, including development of on-line communication platform for experts and stakeholders ( REABIC/ERNAIS Experts Database and international open-access journals “Aquatic Invasions”, “BioInvasions Records” and “Management of Biological Invasions”);
     - development of the online information system on aquatic invasive species with early warning functions;
     - information support of developing EU legal instrument on invasive alien species

If you are interested to join ERNAIS, please contact network coordinator Dr. Vadim Panov by e-mail: vepanov (at) gmail.com .