Management Of Non-indigenous Species Research Articles

The influence of recreational boat traffic in the introduction of non-indigenous fouling species in three Ligurian marinas (Mediterranean Sea, Italy)

The role of navigation in transporting and introducing non-indigenous species (NIS) in ports is globally acknowledged, and maritime traffic is correlated with increasing NIS introductions. On the other hand, different types of vessels can occur in a port (e.g., for commercial or recreational purposes) and the success of a NIS in a new area also depends on several chemical-physical and biotic conditions of the arrival port.In this context, a study was conducted in 2020 in three marinas at Sanremo (Ligurian Sea, Italy) with the aim to assess if boat traffic influences the presence of NIS in marine fouling communities.Samples were collected from docks and pontoons with a hand-held rigid net in the marinas of Sanremo (Porto Sole, characterized by international recreational boat traffic; and Porto Vecchio, hosting only local fishing boats), as well as in Ospedaletti, a nearly finished, abandoned and unused marina. Overall, 47 species (including 9 NIS), 45 (8 NIS) and 86 (2 NIS) were collected in Porto Sole, Porto Vecchio and Ospedaletti, respectively. Number and proportion of NIS were significantly lower in the unused marina of Ospedaletti in comparison with the other two ones, which in turn exhibited similar sessile assemblages and comparable NIS richness. The peculiarity of Ospedaletti fouling community, despite the geographical proximity and similar habitat conditions of the other marinas, highlights the role of boating traffic in facilitating NIS settlement, while the sole presence of artificial substrates is not sufficient to promote NIS introduction. This site could provide opportunities for experimenting novel NIS management measures.

EDNA Metabarcoding Analysis as Tool to Assess the Presence of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS): A Case Study in the Bilge Water

One of the most important causes of biodiversity loss are non-indigenous species (NIS), in particular invasive ones. The dispersion of NIS mainly depends on anthropogenic activities such as maritime traffic, which account for almost half of the total NIS introduction in the European seas, as reported by the European Environmental Agency. For this reason, NIS management measures are mainly focused on commercial ports (i.e., ballast water management and Marine Strategy Framework Directive monitoring), underestimating the role of marinas and tourist harbors; these host small vessels (<20 m), such as recreational, fishery, and sail ones without ballast waters, but are also responsible for NIS arrival and spread through the bilge water as well as from hull fouling. With the aim of paying attention to marinas and tourist harbors and validating an innovative molecular methodology for NIS surveillance and monitoring, in the present work, eDNA metabarcoding of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was applied to both bilge waters and adjacent ones to assess species composition and particularly NIS presence. A total of 140 OTUs/species with extra-Mediterranean distribution were found in the bilge samples; several of these are most likely ascribed to food contamination (e.g., Salmo salar). Excluding food contamination species, twelve of these found in the bilge waters were already known as NIS in the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to algae, mollusks, crustaceans, annelids, echinoderms, and fishes. Nine of these species are new to Italian waters. The results obtained in the present work support the importance of NIS monitoring in marinas and small harbors, particularly in the bilge waters, through eDNA metabarcoding, having detected several potential NIS that otherwise would not have been discovered.

Marine Non-Indigenous Species Dynamics in Time and Space within the Coastal Waters of the Republic of Ireland

Documenting temporal and spatial occurrence trends of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) is essential to understand vectors and pathways of introduction, and for horizon scanning for future introductions. This study provides an overview of marine NIS found in the Republic of Ireland up to 2020. Taxonomic groups, species origin, and location of first reporting (counties) were compiled and analysed focusing on the last three decades. While the unambiguous characterisation of introduction events is challenging, analysis of 110 species corroborated the global weight of evidence that shipping activities to/from ports and marinas are the most likely vectors and pathways in Ireland. A comparable review study for the Netherlands revealed that most NIS were first introduced to mainland Europe and subsequently would take on average >15 years to reach Ireland. In the last two decades there has been an increase in NIS-focused surveys in Ireland. Incorporating data from these surveys in centralized national repositories such as the National Biodiversity Data Centre, will strongly aid the evaluation of potential NIS management responses. Furthermore, the availability of robust baseline data as well as predictions of future invaders and their associated vectors and pathways will facilitate the effective application of emerging monitoring technologies such as DNA-based approaches.

Predation facilitates the abundance of biofouling non-indigenous species in estuarine marinas in NE Atlantic Portugal

Harbours are highly modified habitats that differ from natural areas. They are hotspots of non-indigenous species (NIS) and act as stepping-stones in invasive processes. However, local communities can exert biotic resistance against biological invasions through trophic interactions and competition. This study assesses the biotic effects of predation on the recruitment of fouling assemblages in three marinas of NE Atlantic Portugal (Cascais, Setúbal and Sines), with particular emphasis on NIS, using predator exclusion experiments. Predation increased the relative abundance of NIS, mainly Watersipora subatra, in the estuarine marinas of Cascais and Setúbal, while no predation effects were registered in the coastal marina of Sines. Therefore, predation can increase the risk of NIS invasion (biotic facilitation). Furthermore, local ecosystems may have different effects and differ in vulnerability against NIS invasions. Finally, a better understanding of coastal invasive ecology and biotic effects in coastal artificial habitats will improve our capacity for NIS management.

Biotic resistance of native fouling communities to bioinvasions could not be demonstrated by transplant experiments in Northern Italy

Biotic resistance is considered an important driver in the establishment of non-indigenous species (NIS), but experiments in the marine environment have led to contradictory results. In this context, a transplant experiment of fouling communities was carried out over five months. Settlement panels were moved from low impact (species-rich native communities) to high impact sites by NIS in two Italian areas to test the biotic resistance hypothesis. Fouling communities displayed significant differences among treatments before and after the transplant, thus indicating the maintenance of a peculiar fouling community in transplanted panels. On the other hand, newly recruited species were similar between treatments and neither a facilitation nor a mitigation role from native fouling communities on NIS was observed. Our results highlight the importance to better investigate the factors affecting the high variability obtained in experiments testing this hypothesis, with the aim to identify potential solutions for NIS management in ports.

The Miseno Lake (Central-Western Mediterranean Sea): An Overlooked Reservoir of Non-Indigenous and Cryptogenic Ascidians in a Marine Reserve

Ascidians are the largest and most diverse class of the subphylum Tunicata, and are important components of marine benthic communities. They are also renowned worldwide invaders, of growing concern due to ease of spread and impacts on native biota. We hereby combined bathymetric and habitat mapping, extensive transect and photo-quadrat sampling, and a morphological and molecular study on selected specimens to evaluate taxonomic composition, cover, and distribution pattern of ascidians in a marine reserve of the central-western Mediterranean Sea, the Miseno Lake (Bacoli, Naples, Italy). Twenty-four taxa were found, of which 9 were non-indigenous species (NIS), 5 cryptogenic, and 10 native, delineating the Miseno Lake as a major hotspot of NIS and cryptogenic ascidians. DNA barcoding yielded 114 sequences, confirming identification for 22 taxa but also revealing single to few mismatches per species. Taxonomic insights were offered in the text and the Supplementary Material for several taxa, including the understudied Ascidia colleta and Ascidia malaca. The presence of a new clade was discovered in the Distaplia bermudensis species complex. Didemnum pseudovexillum and Polyclinum constellatum were respectively first recorded in Italy and western Mediterranean, and the same holds true for other taxa whose accurate identification was only possible through molecular evidence. The analysis of photographic archives allowed backdating and georeferencing to the Miseno Lake of the first records of Aplidium accarense and Botrylloides niger in Italy and of P. constellatum in the Mediterranean. Generalized Additive Models revealed that the abundance of NIS increased with availability of hard substrates (rocks or litter), decreased with depth, and was the highest in the channels connecting to other water bodies, followed by the peripheral areas of the lake. No certain evidence of competitive restriction of native ascidians was found. Finally, introduction pathways, potential impacts, and additional insights were discussed for NIS. The present study provides a baseline to evaluate shifts in the ascidian communities in the future, suggests that constant monitoring programs constitute crucial steps to achieve solid NIS management, and confirms marine reserves as widely vulnerable to biological invasions, especially when they coincide with potential hotspots of arrival or spreading such as semi-enclosed basins.

From LEK to LAB: The case of the blue crab Portunus segnis in the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area, central Mediterranean Sea

The Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) and particularly the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) affect biodiversity at ecosystem, habitat and species level. NIS management is primarily based on species monitoring in order to prevent their spread and to limit their impact. Different NIS monitoring methods have been developed involving citizens, especially to detect easily recognizable species and, in particular, through Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) data collection. In the present study, we report the LEK data collection conducted in the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) interviewing fishers and dive masters, particularly focusing on the Lessepsian blue crab Portunus segnis (Forskål, 1775) and the subsequent sampling and validation of the species occurrence. Fistularia commersonii, Siganus rivulatus and Percnon gibbesi were the most reported species by the interviewed fishers and dive masters. P. segnis was first signaled by dive mastersand subsequently sampled for morphological and molecular validation. The LEK experience showed the importance of the collaboration between researchers and citizens in the NIS/IAS surveillance/monitoring activity; some considerations on the importance of NIS/IAS early detection and on how to achieve a good NIS/IAS surveillance system for MPAs are discussed.

Tracking Marine Alien Macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea: The Contribution of Citizen Science and Remote Sensing

The accelerating rate of the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) and the magnitude of shipping traffic make the Mediterranean Sea a hotspot of biological invasions. For the effective management of NIS, early detection and intensive monitoring over time and space are essential. Here, we present an overview of possible applications of citizen science and remote sensing in monitoring alien seaweeds in the Mediterranean Sea. Citizen science activities, involving the public (e.g., tourists, fishermen, divers) in the collection of data, have great potential for monitoring NIS. The innovative methodologies, based on remote sensing techniques coupled with in situ/laboratory advanced sampling/analysis methods for tracking such species, may be useful and effective tools for easily assessing NIS distribution patterns and monitoring the space/time changes in habitats in order to support the sustainable management of the ecosystems. The reported case studies highlight how these cost-effective systems can be useful complementary tools for monitoring NIS, especially in marine protected areas, which, despite their fundamental role in the conservation of marine biodiversity, are not immune to the introduction of NIS. To ensure effective and long-lasting management strategies, collaborations between researchers, policy makers and citizens are essential.

Uncovered pathways: Modelling dispersal dynamics of ship‐mediated marine introduced species

Abstract Marine traffic is the main vector for marine non‐indigenous species (NIS) that may hitchhike in ballast water tanks or attached to vessel hulls. Understanding marine traffic dynamics and estimating the associated risk of NIS dispersal reveals points of leverage for preventive NIS management. This study presents a method to quantify the risk of ship hull fouling‐mediated NIS dispersal and identifies main dispersal hubs in marine traffic networks. We use the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) as a case study to test the applicability of this method. Ship position data derived from the automatic identification system (AIS) served as a basis for a network consisting of nodes (moorings and anchorages) and edges (ship routes). Wetted surface areas (WSA) describe the parts of vessel hulls submerged by water and were used to parameterize dispersal risks of individual vessels. We combined the constructed network with a numeric dispersal model and sequentially removed network elements to test their effectiveness on decreasing the overall dispersal capacity. Marine traffic hotspots, such as ports and popular marine visitor sites, represented the main dispersal hubs and incoming edges into the GMR crucial links for the overall dispersal capacity. The removal of passenger vessels had the strongest effect on the overall dispersal capacity, reducing it to 1%. Based on our findings, we suggest management recommendations to curb the spread of marine NIS in the GMR, including the implementations of (a) vessel hull controls at main dispersal hubs (ports); (b) species monitoring programmes at popular marine visitor sites and (c) hull husbandry regulations for passenger vessels. Synthesis and application. In an increasingly connected world, the development of risk assessments for marine non‐indigenous species (NIS) dispersal is a crucial step towards the sustainable use and protection of marine ecosystems in Galapagos and other places. The presented methodology is solely based on the pathway component and thus applicable to any place with available ship position data. Therefore, it may provide useful baseline information for preventive measurements especially in places where ecological data about NIS are scarce.

Fishery reforms for the management of non-indigenous species

Marine ecosystems are undergoing major transformations due to the establishment and spread of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS). Some of these organisms have adverse effects, for example by reducing biodiversity and causing ecosystem shifts. Others have upsides, such as benefits to fisheries or replacing lost ecological functions and strengthening biogenic complexity. Stopping the spread of NIS is virtually impossible and so the societal challenge is how to limit the socioeconomic, health, and ecological risks, and sustainably exploit the benefits provided by these organisms. We propose a move away from the notion that NIS have only negative effects, and suggest a turn towards an Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management approach for NIS (EBFM-NIS) in the Mediterranean Sea, the world's most invaded marine region. A structured, iterative, and adaptive framework that considers the range of costs and benefits to ecosystems, ecosystem services, and fisheries is set out to determine whether NIS stocks should be managed using sustainable or unsustainable exploitation. We propose fishery reforms such as multiannual plans, annual catch limits, technical measures for sustainable exploitation, and legitimization of unlimited fishing of selected NIS and introduction of a radical new license for NIS fishing for unsustainable exploitation. Depending on local conditions, investment strategies can be included within the EBFM-NIS framework to protect/enhance natural assets to improve ecosystem resilience against NIS, as well as fishery assets to improve the performance of NIS fisheries. Examples of the former include the enhancement of Marine Protected Areas, harvesting of invasive NIS within MPAs, and protection of overfished predators and key species. Examples of the latter include market promotion and valorisation of NIS products, development of novel NIS products, and innovative/alternative NIS fishing such as fishery-related tourism (‘pescatourism’). The application of the suggested EBFM-NIS would create jobs, protect and enhance ecosystem services, and help to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.

Saronikos Gulf: a hotspot area for alien species in the Mediterranean Sea

Shipping is the greatest pathway of non-indigenous species (NIS) introductions, and port areas are considered as alien hotspots. In this study, we analyzed data covering a 112-year period and found that Saronikos Gulf in Greece, hosting one of the largest container port terminals in Europe, is a hotspot of NIS introductions. To date, 89 NIS have been recorded, of which 8 are characterized as invasive. Most species belong to the taxonomic group of Mollusca (33%), followed by Pisces (22%). For the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, we report the presence of the micromolluscs Sinezona plicata (Hedley, 1899) and Ringicula sp. Moreover, we provide evidence for the trend of NIS introduction in the Saronikos Gulf across the past 70 years, the pathways of introduction and their importance through time, as well as the distribution of the most invasive species in the Saronikos Gulf. The information provided herein can assist the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and inform NIS management. As Transport-Stowaway remains the main pathway of NIS introduction in the Saronikos Gulf, our principal recommendation is to reinforce regulations for the adoption of better antifouling practices and more effective ballast water treatment and management.

Who, why and how: stakeholder attitudes toward marine non-indigenous species management in Portuguese Atlantic Islands

A key aspect for a successful management of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) is the cooperation with local stakeholders. In this study we assessed stakeholders' baseline knowledge and perceptions on marine NIS foreseeing support for their management in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos (Portugal). Survey questionnaires were designed to assess: i) current knowledge and stakeholder perception of NIS and associated problems; ii) influence of communication media on NIS dissemination; iii) stakeholder willingness to be involved in NIS management actions and; iv) which factors predict stakeholder participation in NIS management actions. Face-to face survey questionnaires were administered in recreational marinas of São Miguel (Azores) and Madeira islands. Four groups of stakeholders classified based on their putative relation with NIS were selected as target. In total 214 survey questionnaires were collected and analysed. Our results showed no significant differences between stakeholders based in São Miguel and the ones from Madeira. Overall a strong baseline knowledge on NIS and associated consequences was found but a weak accuracy to identify NIS examples was demonstrated. Types of communication media revealed to be stakeholder-specific and information-specific. Decision tree predictive models showed three powerful factors to forecast the respondent's participation in NIS management actions: 1- to belong to one of the four stakeholder groups; 2- to have a good level of NIS knowledge; and 3- to have the perception that NIS introduction is an important issue. Despite the positive attitude exhibited by stakeholders in engaging NIS management, our results highlighted a consensus to attribute governmental responsibility to such activities. The results of this work constitute a baseline to develop further management actions aiming to reduce the local spread of marine NIS and so contributing to a better environmental status of Portuguese marine waters.

Recommendations for developing and applying genetic tools to assess and manage biological invasions in marine ecosystems

The European Union’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) aims to adopt integrated ecosystem management approaches to achieve or maintain “Good Environmental Status” for marine waters, habitats and resources, including mitigation of the negative effects of non-indigenous species (NIS). The Directive further seeks to promote broadly standardized monitoring efforts and assessment of temporal trends in marine ecosystem condition, incorporating metrics describing the distribution and impacts of NIS. Accomplishing these goals will require application of advanced tools for NIS surveillance and risk assessment, particularly given known challenges associated with surveying and monitoring with traditional methods. In the past decade, a host of methods based on nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) analysis have been developed or advanced that promise to dramatically enhance capacity in assessing and managing NIS. However, ensuring that these rapidly evolving approaches remain accessible and responsive to the needs of resource managers remains a challenge. This paper provides recommendations for future development of these genetic tools for assessment and management of NIS in marine systems, within the context of the explicit requirements of the MSFD. Issues considered include technological innovation, methodological standardization, data sharing and collaboration, and the critical importance of shared foundational resources, particularly integrated taxonomic expertise. Though the recommendations offered here are not exhaustive, they provide a basis for future intentional (and international) collaborative development of a genetic toolkit for NIS research, capable of fulfilling the immediate and long term goals of marine ecosystem and resource conservation.

Richness and zoogeography of ascidians (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) in eastern Canada

Managers and policymakers in eastern Canada embrace science-based management of nonindigenous species and may benefit from having comprehensive regional species checklists at subnational jurisdictional levels. In this paper, regional checklists provide an account of the richness of ascidians in eastern Canada. Records of 58 ascidians resulted from reviewing 108 published sources, accessing data from two online databases, and collecting some common indigenous ascidian specimens. Analysis comparing the similarity of species among nine regions indicates that there is greater similarity in species composition between contiguous regions than between noncontiguous regions and suggests that there are four zoogeographic clusters in eastern Canada. Our checklists can inform managers and policymakers of the diversity of the ascidian taxa and can minimize taxonomic uncertainties of established nonindigenous and prospective invading species, for example, by identifying indigenous species that are congeners of nonindigenous species. The maintenance of checklists can be a valuable tool for the management of nonindigenous species as baselines to estimate changes in richness and to document the invasion status of nonindigenous species over time. For example, more importance can be placed on the spread of nonindigenous ascidians from one zoogeographic cluster to another than spread within the same cluster.

Understanding Acceptable Level of Risk: Incorporating the Economic Cost of Under-Managing Invasive Species.

Management of nonindigenous species includes prevention, early detection and rapid response and control. Early detection and rapid response depend on prioritizing and monitoring sites at risk for arrival or secondary spread of nonindigenous species. Such monitoring efforts require sufficient biosecurity budgets to be effective and meet management or policy directives for reduced risk of introduction. Such consideration of risk reduction is rarely considered, however. Here, we review the concepts of acceptable level of risk (ALOR) and associated costs with respect to nonindigenous species and present a framework for aligning risk reduction priorities with available biosecurity resources. We conclude that available biosecurity resources may be insufficient to attain stated and desired risk reduction. This outcome highlights the need to consider policy and management directives when beginning a biosecurity program to determine the feasibility of risk reduction goals, given available resources.

Evaluating nonindigenous species management in a Bayesian networks derived relative risk framework for Padilla Bay, WA, USA.

Many coastal regions are encountering issues with the spread of nonindigenous species (NIS). In this study, we conducted a regional risk assessment using a Bayesian network relative risk model (BN-RRM) to analyze multiple vectors of NIS introductions to Padilla Bay, Washington, a National Estuarine Research Reserve. We had 3 objectives in this study. The 1st objective was to determine whether the BN-RRM could be used to calculate risk from NIS introductions for Padilla Bay. Our 2nd objective was to determine which regions and endpoints were at greatest risk from NIS introductions. Our 3rd objective was to incorporate a management option into the model and predict endpoint risk if it were to be implemented. Eradication can occur at different stages of NIS invasions, such as the elimination of these species before being introduced to the habitat or removal of the species after settlement. We incorporated the ballast water treatment management scenario into the model, observed the risk to the endpoints, and compared this risk with the initial risk estimates. The model results indicated that the southern portion of the bay was at greatest risk because of NIS. Changes in community composition, Dungeness crab, and eelgrass were the endpoints most at risk from NIS introductions. The currents node, which controls the exposure of NIS to the bay from the surrounding marine environment, was the parameter that had the greatest influence on risk. The ballast water management scenario displayed an approximate 1% reduction in risk in this Padilla Bay case study. The models we developed provide an adaptable template for decision makers interested in managing NIS in other coastal regions and large bodies of water.

Ten recommendations for advancing the assessment and management of non-indigenous species in marine ecosystems

The main objective of recent international legislative measures and policies concerning marine ecosystems is to ensure sustainable environmental management to maintain a good status for marine waters, habitats and resources, with the ultimate target of achieving an integrated ecosystem-based approach to management. Because bioinvasions pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and the goods and services these provide, non-indigenous species (NIS) are included in the more recent legislative documents. A major challenge for the scientific community is to translate the principles of the legislative directives into a realistic, integrated ecosystem-based approach and at the same time provide stakeholders with best practices for managing NIS. The aim of this paper, prepared by members of the Working Group on Introductions and Transfers of Marine Organisms (WGITMO) of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), is to provide guidance for the application of NIS related management in the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Ten recommendations, including NIS identification, standardization of sampling and data, indicators, propagule pressure and management issues are considered in this paper. While most of these suggestions were developed to improve the implementation of the MSFD, several may be more widely applicable.

Relative risk assessment for ballast-mediated invasions at Canadian Arctic ports

Vector-based risk assessment is a powerful and efficient management approach for nonindigenous species (NIS). By managing a vector, an entire assemblage of associated NIS is simultaneously considered. The majority of current risk assessment frameworks have been conducted for a single, or selected few, target species and thus are not useful for managing vectors transporting a large number of potentially unknown species. Here we develop a predictive framework to assess relative invasion risk for a vector (ballast water) transporting an unknown species assemblage, using the Canadian Arctic as a case study. Ballast water discharge is a known high-risk vector globally, but its magnitude in the Arctic has not been well characterized. Our framework determined relative invasion risks between different transit pathways by quantifying the probability of NIS successfully transiting all stages of the invasion process and the magnitude of consequences of introduction to those ports. Churchill, Manitoba was ranked at ‘higher’ invasion risk via ballast water discharged by international merchant vessels than any other recipient port studied. The overall pattern of ballast water discharge suggests that water originating from coastal domestic sources carried by international merchant vessels may be important for dispersal of NIS. In addition, ballast-mediated NIS are more likely to arrive to the Hudson Bay region during summer months. These results can be useful for developing prevention and early detection programs for the region. Our risk assessment framework is not limited to ballast water and could be applied to other vectors for effective management of NIS.

Comprehensive bioeconomic modelling of multiple harmful non-indigenous species

Harmful non-indigenous species (NIS) introductions lead to loss of biodiversity and serious economic impacts. Government agencies have to decide on the allocation of limited resources to manage the risk posed by multiple NIS. Bioeconomic modelling has focused on single species and little is known about the optimal management of multiple NIS using a common budget. A comprehensive bioeconomic model that considers the exclusion, detection and control of multiple NIS spreading by stratified dispersal and presenting Allee effects was developed and applied to manage the simultaneous risk posed by Colorado beetle, the bacterium causing potato ring rot and western corn rootworm in the UK. A genetic algorithm was used to study the optimal management under uncertainty. Optimal control methods were used to interpret and verify the genetic algorithm solutions. The results show that government agencies should allocate less exclusion and more control resources to NIS characterised by Allee effects, low rate of satellite colonies generation and that present low propagule pressure. The prioritisation of NIS representative of potential NIS assemblages increases management efficiency. The adoption of management measures based on the risk analysis of a single NIS might not correspond to the optimal allocation of resources when other NIS share a common limited budget. Comprehensive bioeconomic modelling of multiple NIS where Allee effects and stratified dispersal are considered leads to a more cost-effective allocation of limited resources for the management of NIS invasions.

Biological invasions in marine ecosystems: ecological, management, and geographic perspectives

Perspectives on Marine Invasions.- Marine Bioinvasions: Conservation Hazards and Vehicles for Ecological Understanding.- Deep Invasion Ecology and the Assembly of Communities in Historical Time.- Natural and Climate Change Mediated Invasions.- Modeling Marine Invasions: Current and Future Approaches.- Invader Arrival.- Characterizing Vectors of Marine Invasion.- The Vessel as a Vector - Biofouling, Ballast Water and Sediments.- The Role of Propagule Pressure in Invasion Success.- Differentiating Successful and Failed Invaders: Species Pools and the Importance of Defining Vector, Source and Recipient Regions.- Invader Establishment.- The Establishment of Invasive Species.- The Role of Phenotypic Plasticity in Marine Biological Invasions.- Escape from Parasites.- Ecological Factors Affecting Community Invasibility.- Invader Integration into Ecosystems.- The Integration of Invasive Species into Marine Ecosystemss.- Competition in Marine Invasions.- Predator-Prey Interactions of Marine Invaders.- The Role of Exotic Marine Ecosystem Engineers.- Multitrophic Effects of Invasions in Marine and Estuarine Systems.- Management Perspectives.- Marine Bioinvasion Management: Structural Framework.- Examples of Current International, Regional and National Regulatory Frameworks for Preventing and Managing Marine Bioinvasions.- An Overview of Risk Assessment in a Marine Biosecurity Context.- Differing Consequences of Removing Ecosystem-Modifying Invaders: Significance of Impact and Community Context to Restoration Potential.- Geographic Perspectives.- Geographic Perspectives of Invasions in the Sea.- The Status and Distribution of Marine Alien Species in South Africa.- Marine Invasions in New Zealand: A History of Complex Supply-Side Dynamics.- Marine Bioinvasions in Australia.- Marine Bioinvasions in the Southeastern Pacific: Status, Ecology, Economic Impacts, Conservation and Management.- Marine Bioinvasions in the Brazilian Coast: Brief Report on History of Events, Vectors, Ecology, Impacts and Management of Non-indigenous Species.- Four Centuries of Biological Invasions in Tidal Waters of the Chesapeake Bay Region.- Introduced Aquatic Species of the North Sea Coasts and Adjacent Brackish Waters.- European Enclosed and Semi-enclosed Seas.- Marine Bioinvasions in the Mediterranean Sea - History, Distribution and Ecology.- A First Assessment of Invasive Marine Species on Chinese and Korean Coasts.- Invasions of Estuaries vs the Adjacent Open Coast: A Global Perspective.- Concluding Thoughts.- Future Directions For Marine Invasions Research.