Abstract
The number of biological invasions has grown dramatically in recent decades, as well as the world's human population and coastal development. Anthropogenic habitats, such as pier pilings and break waters, have been constantly added to marine environment, usually concentrated in estuarine areas. These habitats are focal points for marine invasions, but relatively little is known about the spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) to nearby natural habitats. This study aimed to determine the extent to which NIS have spread to natural substrates both inside estuarine areas and in the adjacent open sea. We conducted a field survey and a literature review, which have been critically discussed and validated. The updated NIS list of benthic invertebrates comprises 19 species: Ascidiacea (5), Cirripedia (5), Cnidaria (3), Mollusca (3), Polychaeta (1), Decapoda (1), and Echinodermata (1). Our results suggested substantial spread of non-indigenous species into natural substrates. Altogether, 18 and 16 NIS were recorded in artificial and natural substrata, both representing 13% of the total species in each habitat. The percentage of NIS was more pronounced in the estuarine areas, 17.6% in artificial habitats and 18.6% in natural ones. Programs developed for the monitoring of marine invasion have to broaden their focus including natural areas adjacent to ports and marinas, to follow the spread and impact of NIS on these areas.
Highlights
Non-indigenous species (NIS) are rapidly changing our marine ecosystems
Considering the new surveys, and all the information from literature and experts, we found 19 NIS in hard-substrate communities in Paraná: Ascidiacea (5), Cirripedia (5), Cnidaria (3), Mollusca (3), Decapoda (1), Echinodermata (1) and Poly
Our results suggest substantial spread of NIS into natural habitats, more pronounced in the estuarine areas
Summary
Non-indigenous species (NIS) are rapidly changing our marine ecosystems. The number of biological invasions has grown dramatically in recent decades, as well as the world’s human population and coastal development. These man-made structures, which are typically associated to vectors of NIS such as shipping and aquaculture, have long been known to be focal points for marine invasions and can act as stepping stones for NIS spread (Tyrell & Byers 2007, Glasby et al 2007, Ruiz et al 2009, Seebens et al 2013) Such anthropogenic habitats and activities are usually concentrated in sheltered coastal areas, such as bays and estuaries, which act as hubs of bioinvasion (Ruiz et al 1997, Wasson et al 2005, Preisler et al 2009). An updated list of benthic marine non-native fauna in the Paraná is provided, which have been critically discussed and validated (Appendix S11)
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