Uninvited Visitors: Biological Invasions, Shifting Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation Challenges

The movement and establishment of invasive and non-indigenous species are increasingly reshaping biodiversity and posing a growing threat to native aquatic species across marine and freshwater ecosystems. As species expand beyond their historical ranges in response to environmental and/or anthropogenic pressures, they can alter ecological interactions, ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem services.This Research Topic welcomes contributions exploring how biological invasions influence aquatic biodiversity across regions and biogeographical settings. We particularly welcome comparative studies, regional syntheses, and cross-basin perspectives examining changes in species distributions, community structure, food webs, ecological interactions, ecosystem processes, and services. Studies investigating emerging patterns of biodiversity restructuring and ecological homogenisation are especially encouraged.We also welcome studies that explore how evidence on biological invasions can inform conservation action, including early detection and monitoring (including citizen science), risk assessment, management and use of invasive species, policy frameworks such as the EU IAS Regulation, and impacts on threatened native species and protected areas.By connecting evidence from marine and freshwater ecosystems, this Research Topic aims to provide a broader understanding of how biological invasions contribute to persistent changes in aquatic communities and shape biodiversity in ecosystems under a rapidly changing environmental context, while informing conservation and management responses. Topic editors: Magdalene Papatheodoulou, Marina Chiappi, Daniel Mameri Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/87576/uninvited-visitors-biological-invasions-shifting-aquatic-biodiversity-and-conservation-challenges