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Invasive species in Coastal Ecosystems:
Causes, Impacts and Management
Recommendations
Mónica A. Flores-Hernández
CIAM 6117: Coastal Environments
Dr. Loretta Roberson
October 28, 2015
Today's topics
Introduction
◦ What is an invasive specie?
◦ Pathways
◦ Geographical extent
Impacts to coastal ecosystems
Invasive species in P.R.
Management
◦ What have been done?
◦ What could be done?
What is an invasive species?
◦ Invasive species: alien species whose introduction
does or is likely to cause economic, environmental
or human health harm.
Scientific definition (article)
◦ any specie reported to have become
established outside of its native range.
US Federal Executive Order 13112 (1999)
◦ Alien species: any species, including any of
their biological material capable of propagating
that species, that is not native to that ecosystem.
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/laws/execorder.shtml
Pathways
“any means that allows entry or spread of an
invasive species” (Campbell and Kriesch 2003).
Transportation
◦ Ballast and/or fouling (57% of harmful species)
◦ Dredge spoil material
◦ Canals
◦ Containers
◦ Tourism
http://www.steamshipmutual.co
m/publications/Articles/USBW
DS1012.htm
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/dredging.html
Pathways
Commerce (industries, some pics)
Live seafood trade
Livestock
Aquaculture and mariculture activities (64%
harmful species)
Pet , aquarium, agricultural trade (legal and illegal)
Bait industry
The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea
gigas) has been intentionally
released and cultured in
coastal waters around the
world. It can dominate native
species and destroy habitat
(ecological impact = 3).
Molnar, Gamboa, Revenga & Spalding, 2008)
Geographical extent
Numbers of known harmful alien species
No Data 1–2 3–7 8–15 16–30 31–56
Other alien species reported
66% 73%
74%
73%
Molnar, Gamboa, Revenga & Spalding, 2008)
The most…
Common invasive species found
crustaceans (59)
mollusks (54)
algae (46)
fish (38)
annelids (31)
plants (19)
cnidarians (17)
Threatening
57% of species in our database are harmful, ranging from 47% of cnidarians to 84% of plants
http://aquaculture.org.nz/industry/pacific-oysters/
Impacts to Coastal Ecosystems
Impacts to marine biodiversity
Second greatest threat to biodiversity
◦ Displacement of native species
◦ Change the community structure (food webs)
Predation
Competition for resources
◦ Alter ecosystem processes
Nutrient cycling
Sedimentation
Impacts to Coastal Ecosystems
Economic impacts
◦ Diminish fisheries and tourism
◦ Increased maintance costs of ships
Foul ship hulls
Clog intake pipes
Health impacts Invasive species can serve as disease, pathogens and
parasite vectors.
Pterois volitans & Pterois miles
Common name: Lionfish and Firefish
Means of introduction
◦ Aquarium trade and pet release
Impacts
◦ Decrease of coral-reef fishes recruitment (Albins & Hixon, 2008).
◦ Predation of native fishes and juvenile crustaceans.
◦ Harmful changes of coral reef communities.
(USGS, 2015)
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/SpeciesList.aspx?group=&state=PR&Sortby=3
Penaeus monodon
Common name: Asian tiger shrimp
Means of introduction:
◦ 1970s and 80s global production.
◦ Escapement from aquaculture facilities
following flooding by storms and hurricanes.
◦ Migration from areas where it was
established in the wild.
Impacts:
◦ No impacts have been registered.
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.a
spx?SpeciesID=1209
(USGS, 2015)
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/SpeciesList.aspx?group=&state=PR&Sortby=3
Otaria flavescens
Common name: South American sea lion
One specimen found at Flamenco Beach
in Culebra, P.R.
(USGS, 2015)
http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/SpeciesList.aspx?group=&state=PR&Sortby=3
Management
What has been done?
◦ Several National, academic and private efforts
are in place.
US National Invasive Species Council’s Pathways
Team
Global Invasive Species Information Network
Management
Challenges
◦ Local impacts, global drivers.
◦ Inconsistencies in definitions and data formats.
◦ Lack of information regarding impacts.
◦ Once established, most are difficult if not impossible to remove or control.
◦ Limited funds.
Management
◦ Prioritizing actions
Harmful species (Byers et al. 2002)
Current distributions
Pathways to new regions Interception or removal of pathways (Carlton and Ruiz 2005).
Focus on shipping activities
◦ Reporting and documenting threats and impacts.
◦ Informing strategies and introduction decisions.
Guide questions
What could be the factors influencing the presence of invasive species in the places mentioned?
Are invasive species an issue in Puerto Rico? Why?
What is the importance of maintaining high biodiversity in the Climate Change scenario?
How could scientific research influence public policy and management to control invasive species?