Colonization Dynamics of Potential Stowaways Inhabiting Marinas: Lessons from Caprellid Crustaceans

Despite the fact that stowaway transport is an increasingly common invasion pathway, its key ecological aspects, such as colonization dynamics of potential invaders on human transport vectors, are poorly understood. Considering that marinas may function as stepping-stone habitats for the spread of marine invaders, they provide a unique opportunity for understanding the first steps in the stowaway pathway. One of the dominant groups inhabiting marinas are caprellid crustaceans. These small invertebrates have demonstrated a high potential for introduction and establishment far beyond their distribution range. Here, we analyzed the colonization dynamics of caprellid species inhabiting marinas of Cádiz Bay (Spain) on plastic collectors and discussed their implications on invasion success. We found that collectors largely mirrored the resident caprellid community assemblages after just one month of deployment, showing that caprellid species inhabiting marina structures have a high capacity to colonize new artificial substrates. Moreover, the two non-indigenous species found, Caprella scaura and Paracaprella pusilla, successfully established dense and well-structured populations in the collectors (including all sex/age groups considered). We suggest a potential interplay between colonization ability and stowaway organisms’ invasion success. Furthermore, collectors used are supported as a useful tool in the early detection of non-indigenous species and their monitoring in relation to resident species.Junta de Andalucía US-126562

Quick spreading of the exotic amphipod Laticorophium baconi (Shoemaker, 1934): another small stowaway overlooked?

Studies of non-indigenous species (NIS) often tend to focus on medium and large-sized taxa with potential for remarkable ecological and/or economic impact, whereas the early detection of small invertebrates is often delayed due to taxonomic chal lenge, lack of consistent, standardised monitoring efforts and limited funding. This study represents the first records of the marine amphipod Laticorophium baconi (Shoemaker, 1934) in Morocco, Tunisia, Corsica (France), Italy, Greece, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and New Caledonia (France). Furthermore, it reports an expansion of its known distribution in Portugal (earliest and northernmost record for the country and first record for Macaronesia), Spain (earliest record for Atlantic and Mediterranean European waters), and Australia (first record for Indian Ocean). Recreational boating and commercial shipping, mainly through hull fouling and sec ondarily ballast waters, are proposed as vectors for introduction and secondary spread of L. baconi. The following traits, analysed during the present study, could contribute to its invasive potential: (i) quick and extensive spread of the species worldwide, (ii) high densities in marinas, harbours, hull fouling and other artificial habitats, including aquaculture facilities and floating debris, (iii) high ability for short-term colonisation of empty artificial niches, (iv) diet based on detritus suggesting an opportunistic feed ing behaviour, and (v) population survival during seasonal fluctuations in different regions. Taxonomic expertise and scientific collaboration, based on multidisciplinary networks of experts, are crucial for the early detection, distribution updates, and risk assessment of small and overlooked stowaways in marine environments

Biodiversity patterns of the benthic macrofaunal communities across the intertidal sedimentary shores of two Antarctic islands

Antarctic benthic ecosystems support a unique fauna characterized by high levels of diversity and endemism. However, our knowledge of the macrofauna communities across the Antarctic intertidal sedimentary shore is limited, and their fundamental ecological features, including spatial variability, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the abundance, community structure (i.e. taxa-specific abundance), and biodiversity patterns (α-, β-, and λ-diversity) of benthic macrofauna communities on intertidal sedimentary shores of two Antarctic islands (South Shetland archipelago, N of Antarctic Peninsula): Livingston and Deception. We conducted a quantitative sampling during two Austral summer campaigns (2004 and 2005), studying eleven intertidal sites, with five sites located on Livingston and six on Deception. Our results demonstrated a significantly higher abundance of intertidal benthic macrofauna communities on Livingston than on Deception. Furthermore, significant differences in community structure were observed between the two islands. In terms of biodiversity patterns, there were no significant differences in the number of taxa within communities (α-diversity) between the two islands. However, significant differences in the variation of community composition (determined by the number and identity of taxa) between intertidal sites (β-diversity) were observed, shedding light on the higher total taxa count (λ-diversity) on Livingston compared to Deception. We suggest that the island-specific characteristics (e.g., granulometric characteristics, ice disturbance, sedimentation rates, and geothermal activity) determine the differences observed in macrofauna communities. However, other ecological processes and factors are operating on different spatial and temporal scales (e.g., population dynamics, biotic interactions, oceanographic conditions, and climate change) that influence the occurrence and abundance of macrofaunal taxa. Our findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of the spatial variability of these communities and provide essential information for better management decisions and conservation practices in Antarctic coastal ecosystems

Colonization Dynamics of Potential Stowaways Inhabiting Marinas: Lessons from Caprellid Crustaceans

Despite the fact that stowaway transport is an increasingly common invasion pathway, its key ecological aspects, such as colonization dynamics of potential invaders on human transport vectors, are poorly understood. Considering that marinas may function as stepping-stone habitats for the spread of marine invaders, they provide a unique opportunity for understanding the first steps in the stowaway pathway. One of the dominant groups inhabiting marinas are caprellid crustaceans. These small invertebrates have demonstrated a high potential for introduction and establishment far beyond their distribution range. Here, we analyzed the colonization dynamics of caprellid species inhabiting marinas of Cádiz Bay (Spain) on plastic collectors and discussed their implications on invasion success. We found that collectors largely mirrored the resident caprellid community assemblages after just one month of deployment, showing that caprellid species inhabiting marina structures have a high capacity to colonize new artificial substrates. Moreover, the two non-indigenous species found, Caprella scaura and Paracaprella pusilla, successfully established dense and well-structured populations in the collectors (including all sex/age groups considered). We suggest a potential interplay between colonization ability and stowaway organisms’ invasion success. Furthermore, collectors used are supported as a useful tool in the early detection of non-indigenous species and their monitoring in relation to resident species

Colonization Dynamics of Potential Stowaways Inhabiting Marinas: Lessons from Caprellid Crustaceans

Despite the fact that stowaway transport is an increasingly common invasion pathway, its key ecological aspects, such as colonization dynamics of potential invaders on human transport vectors, are poorly understood. Considering that marinas may function as stepping-stone habitats for the spread of marine invaders, they provide a unique opportunity for understanding the first steps in the stowaway pathway. One of the dominant groups inhabiting marinas are caprellid crustaceans. These small invertebrates have demonstrated a high potential for introduction and establishment far beyond their distribution range. Here, we analyzed the colonization dynamics of caprellid species inhabiting marinas of Cádiz Bay (Spain) on plastic collectors and discussed their implications on invasion success. We found that collectors largely mirrored the resident caprellid community assemblages after just one month of deployment, showing that caprellid species inhabiting marina structures have a high capacity to colonize new artificial substrates. Moreover, the two non-indigenous species found, Caprella scaura and Paracaprella pusilla, successfully established dense and well-structured populations in the collectors (including all sex/age groups considered). We suggest a potential interplay between colonization ability and stowaway organisms’ invasion success. Furthermore, collectors used are supported as a useful tool in the early detection of non-indigenous species and their monitoring in relation to resident species

Introducciones silenciosas en el estrecho de Gibraltar y áreas próximas: el caso del crustáceo exótico Laticorophium baconi (Shoemaker, 1934)

La dinámica de invasión de las especies marinas continúa siendo un proceso poco conocido. La mayor parte de los estudios se han centrado en macroalgas y especies concretas de invertebrados sésiles, mientras que los organismos móviles de pequeño tamaño y taxonomía compleja han pasado frecuentemente desapercibidos. Este trabajo aborda la introducción y expansión inadvertida del crustáceo anfípodo exótico Laticorophium baconi a lo largo de los puertos deportivos del Estrecho de Gibraltar y áreas circundantes (concretamente el litoral de Cádiz), siendo su asociación a las comunidades incrustantes (biofouling) de los barcos el vector de dispersión más probable.Invasion dynamics of marine species remains a poorly understood process. Most studies have focused on macroalgae and particular species of sessile invertebrates, whilst mobile organisms of small size and complex taxonomy have often gone unnoticed. This work addresses the recent introduction and rapid expansion of the exotic crustacean amphipod Laticorophium baconi across marinas in the Strait of Gibraltar and its surrounding areas, being its association with the biofouling on recreational boats the most likely vector of spread.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad CGL 2017- 82739-

Mediterranean Marine Science

Studies of non-indigenous species (NIS) often tend to focus on medium and large-sized taxa with potential for remarkable ecological and/or economic impact, whereas the early detection of small invertebrates is often delayed due to taxonomic chal-lenge, lack of consistent, standardised monitoring efforts and limited funding. This study represents the first records of the marine amphipod Laticorophium baconi (Shoemaker, 1934) in Morocco, Tunisia, Corsica (France), Italy, Greece, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and New Caledonia (France). Furthermore, it reports an expansion of its known distribution in Portugal (earliest and northernmost record for the country and first record for Macaronesia), Spain (earliest record for Atlantic and Mediterranean European waters), and Australia (first record for Indian Ocean). Recreational boating and commercial shipping, mainly through hull fouling and sec-ondarily ballast waters, are proposed as vectors for introduction and secondary spread of L. baconi. The following traits, analysed during the present study, could contribute to its invasive potential: (i) quick and extensive spread of the species worldwide, (ii) high densities in marinas, harbours, hull fouling and other artificial habitats, including aquaculture facilities and floating debris, (iii) high ability for short-term colonisation of empty artificial niches, (iv) diet based on detritus suggesting an opportunistic feed-ing behaviour, and (v) population survival during seasonal fluctuations in different regions. Taxonomic expertise and scientific collaboration, based on multidisciplinary networks of experts, are crucial for the early detection, distribution updates, and risk assessment of small and overlooked stowaways in marine environments.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad CGL2017-82739-PJunta de Andalucía US-1265621Universidad de Sevilla 2022/0000025

Quick spreading of the exotic amphipod Laticorophium baconi (Shoemaker, 1934): another small stowaway overlooked?

Studies of non-indigenous species (NIS) often tend to focus on medium and large-sized taxa with potential for remarkable ecological and/or economic impact, whereas the early detection of small invertebrates is often delayed due to taxonomic chal lenge, lack of consistent, standardised monitoring efforts and limited funding. This study represents the first records of the marine amphipod Laticorophium baconi (Shoemaker, 1934) in Morocco, Tunisia, Corsica (France), Italy, Greece, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and New Caledonia (France). Furthermore, it reports an expansion of its known distribution in Portugal (earliest and northernmost record for the country and first record for Macaronesia), Spain (earliest record for Atlantic and Mediterranean European waters), and Australia (first record for Indian Ocean). Recreational boating and commercial shipping, mainly through hull fouling and sec ondarily ballast waters, are proposed as vectors for introduction and secondary spread of L. baconi. The following traits, analysed during the present study, could contribute to its invasive potential: (i) quick and extensive spread of the species worldwide, (ii) high densities in marinas, harbours, hull fouling and other artificial habitats, including aquaculture facilities and floating debris, (iii) high ability for short-term colonisation of empty artificial niches, (iv) diet based on detritus suggesting an opportunistic feed ing behaviour, and (v) population survival during seasonal fluctuations in different regions. Taxonomic expertise and scientific collaboration, based on multidisciplinary networks of experts, are crucial for the early detection, distribution updates, and risk assessment of small and overlooked stowaways in marine environments