Non-indigenous species (NIS) of polychaetes (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of the Iberian Peninsula: an annotated checklist

E López,A Richter

doi:10.1186/s10152-017-0499-6

E López, A Richter

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s10152-017-0499-6

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Abstract

This study provides an updated catalogue of non-indigenous species (NIS) of polychaetes reported from the continental coasts of the Iberian Peninsula based on the available literature. A list of 23 introduced species were regarded as established and other 11 were reported as casual, with 11 established and nine casual NIS in the Atlantic coast of the studied area and 14 established species and seven casual ones in the Mediterranean side. The most frequent way of transport was shipping (ballast water or hull fouling), which according to literature likely accounted for the introductions of 14 established species and for the presence of another casual one. To a much lesser extent aquaculture (three established and two casual species) and bait importation (one established species) were also recorded, but for a large number of species the translocation pathway was unknown. About 25% of the reported NIS originated in the Warm Western Atlantic region, followed by the Tropical Indo West-Pacific region (18%) and the Warm Eastern Atlantic (12%). In the Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula, nearly all the reported NIS originated from warm or tropical regions, but less than half of the species recorded from the Atlantic side were native of these areas. The effects of these introductions in native marine fauna are largely unknown, except for one species (Ficopomatus enigmaticus) which was reported to cause serious environmental impacts. In other cases, the displacement of native species or economic damages are suspected.

Highlights

Non-indigenous species (NIS) are defined as species introduced outside of their native distribution range and outside of their natural dispersal potential by intentional or unintentional human activities [1]
Our goals were firstly to elaborate a reliable updated inventory of NIS belonging to Polychaeta using data on their introduced distribution range and the invasion stage they have reached in the studied region, the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast of the Iberian Peninsula, following the unifying quality criteria proposed by Blackburn et al [8] and Marchini et al [49], and secondly to reveal eventual regional trends in their introduction pathways and biogeographic origins
Some of the species recorded as established are present in all the aforementioned countries except Malta, namely S. marioni, Lessepsian migrant (Ls). collaris and Notomastus aberans, whereas D. ornata and F. enigmaticus have been reported from Turkey, Greece and Italy; Pista unibranchia, Branchiomma luctuosum and B. bairdi from Turkey, Cyprus and Italy; Metasychis gotoi from Turkey, Cyprus and Italy; and Syllis pectinans from Turkey and Italy

Summary

Introduction

Non-indigenous species (NIS) are defined as species introduced outside of their native distribution range (past or present) and outside of their natural dispersal potential by intentional or unintentional human activities [1]. Their translocation is one of the major drivers of biodiversity changes [2]. Since once NIS are established, their eradication is almost impossible [12, 13], early interception by controlling potential pathways is probably the most efficient method to prevent future impacts on native ecosystems [14] This implies a correct taxonomic identification of new arriving NIS and distinguishing them from the native biota, which is sometimes problematic—misidentifications with native species or other NIS frequently occur [11, 15]—and knowledge of the pathways and vectors for NIS introductions with a high level of certainty. There are a few exceptions (i.e. [16]), the most common introduction mechanisms for marine NIS are (1) movement of fouling organisms on the hull of ships, (2) release of organisms in solid or liquid ship ballast, (3) movement or intentional release of aquaculture target species along with their associated organisms, (4) connection of water bodies through canals, and (5) release associated with pet industries or bait species [17]

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