Abstract

In the Caribbean, there are examples of introduced exotic species that have occupied part of the niche of native species in coastal marine ecosystems. Invasions by species of the family Xeniidae threaten the health of the Caribbean coral reefs. The first report of xeniids in the region was in 2000 in Venezuela, and it was identified as Unomia stolonifera in 2014. Since then, it has spread from its point of introduction to a large portion of Venezuela's coastal reefs. By the end of 2022, a xeniid, presumably U. stolonifera, was reported on the north coast of Cuba and in February 2023 on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. Recent findings show that the colonies reported in both countries belong to the species Xenia umbellata. Considering these recent reports, the Dominican Republic has established the Benthic Invasive Surveillance Network, led by the Ministry of Environment, Dominican Reef Network, The Nature Conservancy, and local NGOs such as FUNDEMAR, CEBSE, and Puntacana Foundation. This network includes actions such as early detection, intervention, and management to prevent their spread and displacement of key species. It also incorporates strategic partnerships to build capacity, develop a comprehensive medium to long-term management and control plan, create an online system for reporting sightings, and conduct public awareness campaigns. To date, three workshops have been held in coastal areas where hundreds of people have been informed. The vision is that these actions will contribute to effectively managing potential xeniid invasions in the Dominican Republic.