The rapid environmental and anthropogenic changes unfolding in Arctic marine systems are reshaping the region’s vulnerability to biological invasions. As sea ice retreats and human activities expand and intensify, Arctic marine ecosystems are increasingly exposed to the introduction and establishment of non-native species. Yet, large knowledge gaps remain, limiting our ability to inform effective and coordinated management efforts.
This study analyses trends in the presence and status of non-native species across 18 Arctic Large Marine Ecosystems by combining distribution data for marine non-native species with documented ecological impacts from a systematic literature review and monetary cost data, reflecting social and economic values. By overlaying the findings with jurisdictional boundaries of Arctic Coastal States’ Exclusive Economic Zones, this study translates ecological data into a more practical framework for monitoring and management, informing policy responses and fostering international cooperation.
This work highlights regional vulnerabilities and the urgent need to address monitoring gaps and invest in coordinated management strategies, aligning with the Arctic Council’s priorities for biodiversity protection. The findings underscore the importance of proactive, science-based approaches to managing biological invasions in a rapidly changing Arctic and to strengthening circumpolar cooperation in this emerging ecological frontier.
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