2 research outputs found
A review of Gobiid expansion along the Danube-Rhine corridor – geopolitical change as a driver for invasion
Five Gobiid fish species have recently increased their ranges along the Danube/Rhine
river corridor. Studies to date, however, have tended to be local, site specific and
reactive, examining just one or few species. As such, overall range has tended to be
assumed based on a summary of patchy, and sometimes contradictory, data. This study
provides an up-to-date literature review of first records of occurrence for all five
species along their expansion route. In addition, available shipping data are examined to
identify possible proximal causes of introduction. Three main discontinuous population
centres were identified; all at or near important container ports: Vienna, Duisburg and
Rotterdam. Shipping is confirmed as an important factor in the rapid national and
international expansion of Ponto-Caspian Gobiids, with downstream drift, rip-rap and heavy
boat traffic contributing to rapid spread on the Rhine. Geopolitical factors, however,
such as the fall of communism and the Balkan conflict, have been key in influencing where,
when, and by which route gobies first appear. Rapid expansion of Gobiids in the Rhine
raises the possibility of establishment throughout mainland Europe via
two new potential invasion corridors across Germany/Poland and France
A review of Gobiid expansion along the Danube-Rhine corridor – geopolitical change as a driver for invasion
Five Gobiid fish species have recently increased their ranges along the Danube/Rhine
river corridor. Studies to date, however, have tended to be local, site specific and
reactive, examining just one or few species. As such, overall range has tended to be
assumed based on a summary of patchy, and sometimes contradictory, data. This study
provides an up-to-date literature review of first records of occurrence for all five
species along their expansion route. In addition, available shipping data are examined to
identify possible proximal causes of introduction. Three main discontinuous population
centres were identified; all at or near important container ports: Vienna, Duisburg and
Rotterdam. Shipping is confirmed as an important factor in the rapid national and
international expansion of Ponto-Caspian Gobiids, with downstream drift, rip-rap and heavy
boat traffic contributing to rapid spread on the Rhine. Geopolitical factors, however,
such as the fall of communism and the Balkan conflict, have been key in influencing where,
when, and by which route gobies first appear. Rapid expansion of Gobiids in the Rhine
raises the possibility of establishment throughout mainland Europe via
two new potential invasion corridors across Germany/Poland and France