Abstract
AbstractAimAnticipated changes in the global ocean climate will affect the vulnerability of marine ecosystems to the negative effects of non‐indigenous species (NIS). In the Arctic, there is a need to better characterize present and future marine biological introduction patterns and processes. We use a vector‐based assessment to estimate changes in the vulnerability of a high‐Arctic archipelago to marine NIS introduction and establishment.LocationGlobal, with a case study of Svalbard, Norway.MethodsWe base our assessment on the level of connectedness to global NIS pools through the regional shipping network and predicted changes in ocean climates. Environmental match of ports connected to Svalbard was evaluated under present and future environmental conditions (2050 and 2100 predicted under the RCP8.5 emissions scenario). Risk of NIS introduction was then estimated based on the potential for known NIS to be transported (in ballast water or as biofouling), environmental match, and a qualitative estimate of propagule pressure.ResultsWe show that Svalbard will become increasingly vulnerable to marine NIS introduction and establishment. Over the coming century, sea surface warming at high latitudes is estimated to increase the level of environmental match to nearly one‐third of ports previously visited by vessels travelling to Svalbard in 2011 (n = 136). The shipping network will then likely connect Svalbard to a much greater pool of known NIS, under conditions more favourable for their establishment. Research and fishing vessels were estimated to pose the highest risk of NIS introduction through biofouling, while ballast water discharge is estimated to pose an increased risk by the end of the century.Main conclusionsIn the absence of focused preventative management, the risk of NIS introduction and establishment in Svalbard, and the wider Arctic, will increase over coming decades, prompting a need to respond in policy and action.
Highlights
Many marine non-indigenous species (NIS) have been introduced into tropical and temperate zones in or on ships (Minton et al, 2005; Molnar et al, 2008)
We show that Svalbard will become increasingly vulnerable to marine NIS introduction and establishment
Sea surface warming at high latitudes is estimated to increase the level of environmental match to nearly one-third of ports previously visited by vessels travelling to Svalbard in 2011 (n = 136)
Summary
Many marine non-indigenous species (NIS) have been introduced into tropical and temperate zones in or on ships (Minton et al, 2005; Molnar et al, 2008). By coupling environmental matching data to ship arrivals as a proxy for propagule pressure, vector-based assessments can identify potential high-risk introduction pathways In this way, recent studies have estimated current invasion risk associated with global (Keller et al, 2011; Seebens et al, 2013) and regional shipping networks (Chan et al, 2012; Floerl et al, 2013)
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