International shipping - a risk for aquatic biodiversity in Germany

TLDR: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD 1992) calls upon each Contracting Party to prevent, as far as possible and as appropriate, the introduction of, control or eradication of those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.

Abstract: Natural barriers such as oceans, mountains, rivers, and deserts that allowed the intricate coevolution of species and the development of unique ecosystems have been breached over the past five centuries by rapidly accelerating human trade and travel. Planes, ships, and other forms of modern transport have allowed both deliberate and inadvertent movement of alien species between different parts of the globe, often resulting in unexpected and sometimes disastrous consequences. Thus, the human-aided spread of species beyond their natural range is a significant form of global change and a major threat to biodiversity. In this connection alien species are considered the most important cause of extinction of animal species on a global scale since the end of the 16th century (Groombridge 1992). The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD 1992) calls upon each Contracting Party to prevent, as far as possible and as appropriate, the introduction of, control or eradication of those alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats or species. To fulfill these commitments, the risk potential for various vectors of