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Invasive Species Management
Exotic species are becoming progressively more problematic, posing a threat to native species, and causing economic losses. Invasive species are a major driver of biodiversity loss, being one of the most important menaces to species conservation and ecosystem services, with large impacts for economy and human well-being. BIOTA provides expertise in the detection, identification, location and control of present and potential invasive species, crucial procedures to prevent future major biodiversity and economic damage.
Projects
Local Action Plan for Zebra Mussel Control in the Alqueva Multi-purpose Development (EFMA)
Location: Area of influence of the Alqueva reservoir (districts of Beja, Évora, Portalegre, and Setúbal, in the Alentejo region)
BIOTA's Client: EDIA, S.A.
Final Client: EDIA, S.A.
Start Date: June 2022
Completion Date: November 2022
Description of the project: The project included several actions: survey and systematisation of all available information on zebra mussel colonisation, control and eradication in the Iberian Peninsula (through bibliographic research and direct contacts); development of an economic, agricultural and environmental risk matrix, considering the probability and irreversibility of colonisation in the EFMA; spatial representation and analysis of the results obtained; assessment of prevention and management priorities for the species in the study area; and preparation of an Action Plan integrating all the information collected, in line with the latest legislation on the control of invasive alien species.
Biodiversity Management, Restoration and Eradication of Invasive Alien Species for a Food Industry Pond Complex
Location: Herdade da Pernada, Águas de Moura (Setúbal)
BIOTA's Client: HIT – Tomato
Final Client: HIT – Tomato
Start Date: 2024
Completion Date: Ongoing
Description of the project: Preparation of a Management and Control Plan for invasive plant species, such as giant reed (Arundo donax) and silver wattle (Acacia dealbata), in an industrial area located in Marateca, Portugal. The document aims to prevent, minimise and mitigate the negative impacts caused by invasive alien species (IAS) in order to ensure the conservation of native biodiversity, protect and restore ecosystems, and reduce economic losses.
Monitoring of the Invasive Alien Species Zebra Mussel in the Alqueva Multi-purpose Development (EFMA)
Location: Area of influence of the Alqueva reservoir (districts of Beja, Évora, Portalegre, and Setúbal, in the Alentejo region)
BIOTA's Client: EDIA, S.A.
Final Client: EDIA, S.A.
Start Date: 2024
Completion Date: Ongoing
Description of the project: Implementation of a zebra mussel monitoring programme in the EFMA area, with a particular focus on the Sado River basin, downstream of the first detection of the species in Portugal. The methodologies applied include surveys of adults and larvae, measurement of physico-chemical water parameters, and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis.
Management and Control Plan for Alien and Invasive Plant Species at the Serra do Branco Mine
Location: Leiria
BIOTA's Client: VISA - Consultores de Geologia Aplicada e Engenharia do Ambiente SA
Final Client: ADELINO DUARTE DA MOTA, SA.
Start Date: June 2025
Completion Date: July 2025
Description of the project: A survey and mapping of invasive plant species were carried out within the mining project area, providing the baseline for the development of a management and control plan. The plan set out the most appropriate control techniques for each case, as well as all actions required to monitor and manage these species. It also included knowledge-dissemination and community awareness initiatives, reinforcing the importance of preventing the spread of these species and mitigating their ecological impacts.
Headquarters
ABC-Apoio de Base à Criatividade
Convento de São Miguel das Gaeiras
2510-718 Gaeiras
Portugal
Office
Rua Carlos Ramos, n.º 9 A
Urbanização Jardim da Amoreira
2620-529 Ramada
Portugal
