Abstract
Artificial structures act as points of entry for non-indigenous species (NIS) in port areas and may support higher abundance and richness of them. The studies about NIS are increasing, but studies focusing on the variations in temporal recruitment and ecological mechanisms are still scarce. Thus, the aim of this work was to determine the colonization and development of non-indigenous sessile fouling species over two types of substrates (electrolytic carbonated and steel) during 12 months of immersion in the Alicante harbor. The biofouling communities of both substrates were analyzed in terms of abundance and species richness by status (native, cryptogenic, and NIS), and NIS assemblages of both substrates were studied by means of multivariate analyses. In total, 53 different species were identified, 38 in steel (six NIS and six cryptogenic) and 50 in the carbonated substrate (six NIS and 10 cryptogenic). Most NIS were more abundant and diverse after 9 months of immersion and had a preference for carbonated substrates. Furthermore, most of them were positively correlated in both substrates (mainly in steel) and it is noted that the number of NIS in the port of Alicante is increasing as new records have been detected.
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
