ABSTRACT
Aquatic systems such as the marine environment and inland waters are faced with a number of threats including water pollution, over-fishing, degradation of habitats and climate change. Aquatic invasions are closely linked to the globalization of ship transport. Advances in transportation and in telecommunication infrastructure enhanced the global exchange of economic and cultural activities. Environmental threats like air, soil, water pollution, global change, and overharvesting are linked to globalization. Globalization affects and has effects on natural environments, economies and socio-cultural resources. Global shipping networks have a critical economical role since maritime traffic is one of the most important drivers of global trade. Invasive species are recognized as one of the greatest threats to the world's oceans since they provide a major menace to global biodiversity. Two major pathways for marine bioinvasions are discharged water from ballast water tanks and hull fouling.
