A new analysis by the VLIZ Alien Species Consortium shows that the number of species introduced by humans into the Belgian North Sea has more than tripled. In 1990 there were still 33 species, while now 105 species have been described. This mainly concerns crabs, lobsters, sea spiders and shrimps. Furthermore, molluscs, seaweeds and worms are also among the newcomers.
According to the research, the sharp increase in maritime transport is the basis for the increase. A large part of the animals and plants were brought to the Belgian North Sea by ships. A more limited number of species found their way through new canal connections from the Black and Mediterranean Seas.