Abstract
In this study, we compiled existing records of fouling marine non-native species in Scotland, and created a national checklist of these species. We then targeted a selection of these species (excluding those that could not be reliably identified) in a rapid assessment survey of 27 harbours in the north of Scotland. Collation of existing records revealed that 23 fouling marine non-native species were known to be present in Scotland. The geographic distribution of these records was not uniform, and they were largely underrepresented in the north and east of mainland Scotland, likely as result of lack of survey effort. In the rapid assessment survey of north Scotland, 9 out of 18 targeted species were found: Austrominius modestus (Darwin, 1854); Botrylloides violaceus Oka, 1927; Caprella mutica Schurin, 1935; Codium fragile fragile (Suringar) Hariot, 1889; Corella eumyota Traustedt, 1882; Heterosiphonia japonica Yendo, 1920; Neosiphonia harveyi (Bailey) Kim, Choi, Guiry and Saunders, 2001; Schizoporella japonica Ortmann, 1890; and Tricellaria inopinata d'Hondt and Occhipinti Ambrogi, 1985. The non-native bryozoan Bugula simplex Hincks, 1886, which was not targeted, was also found, and this constituted the first confirmed Scottish record. The surveys provided 60 new records and extended the northward national range for most of the species found. The number of fouling non-native species in the surveyed harbours was positively associated with the presence of floating structures and vessel activity indices. Our study presents an overview of the current status of fouling marine non-native species in Scotland, and the results of the first comprehensive survey of these species in the north of Scotland. The latter provides a baseline dataset for monitoring future changes, which may occur as a result of the development of the wave and tidal energy industry in the north of Scotland. The wave and tidal energy industry has the potential to facilitate the invasion of fouling marine non-native species through the provision of habitat and by increasing vector activity.
Highlights
Non-native species (NNS) are considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity (Sala et al 2000; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005) and can cause severe ecological and economic damage (Vila et al 2010; Williams et al 2010)
From the literature search of Scottish records we revealed that 23 fouling NNS had previously been recorded in Scotland (Table S2)
Species which were not established included those which had arrived in the country too recently for establishment to be determined (Botrylloides violaceus Oka, 1927, Didemnum vexillum, and Schizoporella japonica), and those which had reports of single or few incidences without any recent records (Aulacomya atra (Molina, 1782), Amphibalanus amphitrite (Darwin, 1854), Bugula neritina (Linnaeus, 1758), Crepidula fornicata (Linnaeus, 1758), and Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793))
Summary
Non-native species (NNS) are considered one of the greatest threats to biodiversity (Sala et al 2000; Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005) and can cause severe ecological and economic damage (Vila et al 2010; Williams et al 2010). The addition of artificial structures (e.g. harbour structures, aquaculture lines and cages, and marine energy devices) to the marine environment creates hard habitat for fouling NNS to colonise (Glasby et al 2007; Mineur et al 2012). These structures can act as ‘stepping stones’ for fouling NNS to spread across natural dispersal barriers such as soft sediment habitats (Bulleri and Airoldi 2005; Sheehy and Vik 2010)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
