A risk assessment of aquarium trade introductions of seaweed in European waters

Aquaculture and maritime traffic have been identified as the main vectors for introductions of alien marine species. Except for one notorious case of Caulerpa taxifolia, the role of aquarium trade towards the introduction of alien seaweeds has been largely unassessed. Here, we address the risk of accidental release of seaweed species from the aquarium trade market in European waters. We assessed the importance and diversity of seaweed species in the European online aquarium retail circuit. Our web survey revealed more than 30 genera available for online sale into Europe, including known introduced and invasive species. A second aspect of the study consisted in sampling algal diversity found in aquaria. While allowing direct and accurate identification of the specimens, this approach was targeting not only ornamental species, but also seaweeds that may be accidentally present in the aquarium circuit. By DNA-barcoding we identified no less than 134 taxa, 7 of which are flagged as introduced in Europe and 5 reported as invasive. Climate envelope models show that at least 23 aquarium species have the potential to thrive in European waters. As expected by the tropical conditions in most aquaria, southern Atlantic regions of Europe and the Mediterranean are the most vulnerable towards new introductions. Further predictions show that this risk will increase and shift northwards as global warming proceeds. Overall our data indicate that aquarium trade poses a potential risk of new seaweed introductions, and calls for a cautious approach.     

Escapees of potentially invasive fishes from an ornamental aquaculture facility: the case of topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva

Accidental escapees from aquacultural facilities are an ongoing problem facing scientists, conservationists, policy makers and naturalists throughout the world. The topmouth gudgeon Pseudorasbora parva , a small cyprinid native to Southeast Asia, was introduced to Romanian waters in 1960 via the aquaculture trade and has since spread throughout Europe. It first appeared in England in an ornamental fish farm near Romsey in Hampshire. The aim of the present study was to quantify the dispersal of this potentially highly invasive species from an ornamental fish farm into the wild. In order to measure the dispersal of escapees, intensive electrofishing surveys were carried out between June and September 2003 in the catchment downstream of the fish farm. The distribution of topmouth gudgeon in the catchment was found to be limited and patchy. The presence of small individuals suggests that the species has successfully established itself in the wild, but this remains to be confirmed. The results were examined in light of invasion theory principles of biological resistance and ecological fitness.     

Conundrums of a complex vector for invasive species control: a detailed examination of the horticultural industry

Historically the horticultural industry has transformed the US landscape through intentional cultivar introductions and unintentional introductions of weeds, insects and plant diseases. While it has been demonstrated that the horticultural industry, in particular the ornamental subsector, is an important vector for the introduction and dispersal of invasive species, known invasive plants continue to be sold while new cultivars are introduced at an ever increasing rate. This study examines the horticultural trade as a vector for invasive species, its agents, and characterizes the complexity of the distribution channel. Numerous factors have contributed to the recent expansion in marketed cultivars, including technological, industry growth, and marketing developments. The result has been an increased and sophisticated consumer demand with a corresponding aggressive scouring of the planet for new crops, many of which are introduced into the market without sufficient testing for invasive tendencies. Traditional approaches to invasive horticultural crop control (regulation, self-regulation), which target players in the distribution channel before and/or after cultivar release, have had limited effectiveness and buy-in because these approaches do not address the industry’s complexities and economic incentives. Involvement and education of consumers may provide better oversight outcomes by addressing the moral hazard problem while acknowledging the key characteristics of the industry.     

Invasive European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L.) in North America: an updated review 2003-16

Aims European frogbit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L.) is an aquatic plant originating from Europe that has emerged as an invasive species, spreading in the USA and Canada since it was first brought to North America in 1932. It can now be found in many water bodies, from small ponds and long rivers to large lakes such as Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The continuous spread of this species indicates its success as an invasive species despite legislative attempts to limit its distribution. Catling et al. (Catling PM, Miltrow G, Haber E, et al. (2003) The biology of Canadian weeds. 124. Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. Can J Plant Sci 83:1001–16) wrote a thorough review about this invasive species in North America. Our review aims for a compilation of the most recent available data and recent studies on H. morsus-ranae L. and focuses primarily on its environmental uses, ecological impacts and management. The purpose of this review is to offer an organized and updated report on European frogbit that can be used towards future studies with the goal of eradicating this invasive species and providing insights on management of other invasive plants.Important findings Our findings reveal that European forgbit's ecological effects on other species and the invaded environment were shown to be less harmful than previously feared. European frogbit had negative impacts on native plants and reduced dissolved oxygen concentration. However, water chemistry, phytoplankton and zooplankton communities were actually not affected by European frogbit. For fungi, bacteria and macroinvertebrates, studies have showed complex and sometimes conflicting results. We also specifically discussed the new method to control this species using shading and the more recent studies on biological control. Shading with a shade cloth has been shown to effectively remove European frogbit and had minor environmental effects. However, using biological control to combat the spread of the invasive frogbit seems not as successful as we wished.     

From introduction to nuisance growth: a review of traits of alien aquatic plants which contribute to their invasiveness

Invasive alien aquatic plant species (IAAPs) cause serious ecological and economic impact and are a major driver of changes in aquatic plant communities. Their invasive success is influenced by both abiotic and biotic factors. Here, we summarize the existing knowledge on the biology of 21 IAAPs (four free-floating species, eight sediment-rooted, emerged or floating-leaved species, and nine sediment-rooted, submerged species) to highlight traits that are linked to their invasive success. We focus on those traits which were documented as closely linked to plant invasions, including dispersal and growth patterns, allelopathy and herbivore defence. The traits are generally specific to the different growth forms of IAAPs. In general, the species show effective dispersal and spread mechanisms, even though sexual and vegetative spread differs strongly between species. Moreover, IAAPs show varying strategies to cope with the environment. The presented overview of traits of IAAPs will help to identify potential invasive alien aquatic plants. Further, the information provided is of interest for developing species-specific management strategies and effective prevention measures.

     

Historical data reveal power‐law dispersal patterns of invasive aquatic species

Understanding how invasive species spread is of particular concern in the current era of globalisation and rapid environmental change. The occurrence of super‐diffusive movements within the context of Lévy flights has been discussed with respect to particle physics, human movements, microzooplankton, disease spread in global epidemiology and animal foraging behaviour. Super‐diffusive movements provide a theoretical explanation for the rapid spread of organisms and disease, but their applicability to empirical data on the historic spread of organisms has rarely been tested. This study focuses on the role of long‐distance dispersal in the invasion dynamics of aquatic invasive species across three contrasting areas and spatial scales: open ocean (north‐east Atlantic), enclosed sea (Mediterranean) and an island environment (Ireland). Study species included five freshwater plant species, Azolla filiculoides, Elodea canadensis, Lagarosiphon major, Elodea nuttallii and Lemna minuta; and ten species of marine algae, Asparagopsis armata, Antithamnionella elegans, Antithamnionella ternifolia, Codium fragile, Colpomenia peregrina, Caulerpa taxifolia, Dasysiphonia sp., Sargassum muticum, Undaria pinnatifida and Womersleyella setacea. A simulation model is constructed to show the validity of using historical data to reconstruct dispersal kernels. Lévy movement patterns similar to those previously observed in humans and wild animals are evident in the re‐constructed dispersal pattern of invasive aquatic species. Such patterns may be widespread among invasive species and could be exacerbated by further development of trade networks, human travel and environmental change. These findings have implications for our ability to predict and manage future invasions, and improve our understanding of the potential for spread of organisms including infectious diseases, plant pests and genetically modified organisms.     

Something in the water: biosecurity monitoring of ornamental fish imports using environmental DNA

The international trade in ornamental aquatic organisms represents an important vector in the spread of invasive species worldwide, but the accurate identification of imported organisms as part of a biosecurity surveillance program offers an opportunity to mitigate potential problems. Species level identification is historically conducted visually, and more recently, with the use of DNA barcoding. However, new diagnostic methods targeting extracellular environmental DNA (eDNA) can offer advantages over these approaches, being non-destructive and potentially more sensitive at low population densities of target organisms (e.g. in mixed consignments). Despite their recent introduction, techniques utilising eDNA are quickly becoming recognised as an important tool for invasion biologists and ecosystem managers. Here, we present a model for the development of a biosecurity protocol for ornamental fish identification using degraded eDNA molecules in water. We demonstrate how a DNA barcode reference library can be mined for informative short-length markers, and report repeatable and accurate detection at low densities of the target species. This study represents a framework for biosecurity agencies to develop eDNA procedures as an innovative management technique for routine surveillance of high risk imports. Future up-scaling of the method will open up prospects for long term monitoring of entire quarantine facilities for a variety of harmful species.     

Invasive Ornamental Plants: Problems,Challenges, and Molecular Tools to Neutralize Their Invasiveness

The spread of invasive plants is one of the most challenging ecological problems in the 21st Century, causing a $35 billion loss per year to the economy in the United States alone. More than 50% of all invasive plants and 85% of invasive woody species were introduced originally for ornamental and landscape use. Because many nonnative plants are commercially important and widely utilized for various purposes, completely banning their use and prohibiting their imports are unpractical solutions for control. On the other hand, the methods currently used to control the spread of nonnative plants are ineffective, expensive, or environmentally problematic. Recent advances in plant biotechnology may enable us to create sterile cultivars of these nonnative ornamental crops of commercial value. The use of sterile cultivars should reduce or eliminate the undesirable spread of some nonnative invasive plants into natural areas.     

Understanding the United Kingdom marine aquarium trade – a mystery shopper study of species on sale

In this study, we conducted a unique survey of marine ornamental fishes appearing in UK retail stores, as well as a review of government trade statistics, with the aim to significantly strengthen the evidence-base in support of future management initiatives. Fifty marine aquarium retailers were visited. A total of 380 marine aquarium fish species (4926 individuals), from 48 families were recorded with the largest proportion of individuals belonging to the families Pomacentridae, Acanthuridae, Apogonidae, Labridae, Pomacanthidae, Gobiidae and Labridae. The majority of fishes for sale (91% of species) originated from the Indo-Pacific Ocean, with only a small number (9% of species) derived from the Atlantic Ocean. However, exact sources of individual species were unclear and poorly documented. Government trade statistics revealed that the ornamental reef-fish trade in the UK grew markedly between 1996 and 2008 with a rapid acceleration in 2003–2004. However, imports have declined since 2008 and amounted to less than 305,000 kg in 2017 with an economic value of UK £3 million (c. US $3.8). Recent trade data (2017) identify Indonesia, USA, Philippines and the Maldives as the most important countries in terms of imports to the UK. The UK is an important exporter of wild-caught fishes via trans-shipment, but also production of tank-reared animals. Several species observed for sale in the UK have been designated by the IUCN and CITES as being of conservation concern, although all these animals are thought to have been captive-reared.     

Aureoboletus projectellus (Fungi,Boletales) – An American bolete rapidly spreading in Europe as a new model species for studying expansion of macrofungi

Aureoboletus projectellus is a bolete native to eastern North America that has recently started to spread in Central Europe and is considered as a potentially invasive species. Maximum entropy approach implemented in MaxEnt was used to estimate the distribution of its potential niche in Europe. The model obtained and current data about species’ geographic distribution in the European range were combined to predict direction of further dispersal and provide a list of locations requiring monitoring. According to the model, a continuous ring of favourable conditions around the Baltic Sea, together with a well-established bridgehead in Poland and Baltic states, make the expansion in this region virtually unstoppable. The case of A. projectellus constitutes an excellent opportunity for testing the utility of the employed model in practice and studying the dynamics of alien species dispersal process.     

Colonization potential of an endangered riparian shrub species

Riparian areas and their plant communities are threatened due to human exploitation and habitat loss. Conservation of riparian vegetation requires knowledge on limiting factors in the biology of species preventing its spread along suitable areas. It needs to be assessed if an endangered species is trapped in an extinction vortex or whether it can recover from its current bottleneck situation by management measurements. We investigate the recovery potential of an endangered riparian shrub species of European rivers, the German tamarisk, Myricaria germanica, by combining field and lab experiments on seed production, germination and wind dispersal with a modelling approach on species distribution. While the seed potential is high, wind-mediated dispersal is average, with a majority of seeds falling next to the mother shrub. The modelled dispersal kernel shows highest goodness-of-fit with a polynomic function. Including this kernel in a model on the future distribution of the species based on identification of suitable habitat, limited spread to new areas in Switzerland after 20 and 50 dispersal events is predicted. Given the current limited distribution of the German tamarisk in Switzerland, conservation efforts are required to allow for the formation of new riparian habitat. Additionally, connectivity along river networks has to be enhanced to help the species to escape the extinction vortex it is trapped in.     

Online auction marketplaces as a global pathway for aquatic invasive species

Hydrobiologia - The ornamental aquarium pet trade is a leading pathway for the introduction of aquatic invasive species. In addition to purchasing live organisms in stores, hobbyists are engaging...     

惠州口岸进境粮谷外来杂草调查与监测

【目的】随着国际农产品贸易的发展,外来杂草入侵我国的形势越来越严峻。对惠州口岸进境粮谷外来杂草进行调查与监测,能够为惠州口岸进境粮谷检疫监管工作提供参考。【方法】通过实地调查、监测,对惠州口岸进境粮谷厂区及周边外来入侵杂草的种类组成、分布、生活型、原产地、入侵途径和危害程度进行了分析。【结果】惠州口岸进境粮谷厂区及周边外来杂草有12科28种,其中,检疫性杂草有4种。在外来入侵杂草中,菊科植物种类最多,生活型以一年生草本为主;原产地以美洲为主,主要以无意引入,有7种杂草较严重危害当地生态环境。【结论】首次调查和总结了惠州口岸进境粮谷厂区及周边外来入侵杂草的名单和类别,提出了外来杂草口岸防控的建议。     

The first record of the swordtail Xiphophorus hellerii Heckel, 1848 (Poeciliidae,Actinopterygii) established in the wild from Morocco

Aquarium and ornamental fish trade is currently recognized as a major source of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems around the world. The swordtail Xyphophorus hellerii is a popular ornamental freshwater fish that occurs as an introduced species in the aquatic habitats of at least thirty-one countries. We report the first finding of an established population of the swordtail in Morocco. Twelve individuals of X. hellerii were captured along Oued Ain Chkef inside the park (Fez Province), including females and males (mature and immature). Ongoing investigations could soon reveal more occurrences of this species in the country.     

Modelling biological invasions over homogeneous and inhomogeneous landscapes using level set methods

The establishment, spread and subsequent degradation of existing environments by invasive species is a worldwide problem affecting native and agricultural ecosystems. The phenomenal cost to governments as a result of research and eradication or control drives the need to understand invasion characteristics. In this paper we develop a method for modelling the boundary of an invasion over time with model inputs being the initial distribution of the invasion and the speed at which the invasion front moves over time. This speed function can depend on the topography of the ground cover and we consider examples of homogeneous and inhomogeneous spread. The possibility of a long-distance dispersal event occurring is also considered. In particular, examples of the spread of emergent weeds and weeds which favour creeks and river beds in New Zealand are presented.     

Predicting the distribution of the invasive alien Heracleum mantegazzianum at two different spatial scales

Modelling the distribution of invasive alien species is widely used for predicting future dispersal, response to climate change, and effects of management, but little information is available on the scale dependence of spatial models. This study is focused on Heracleum mantegazzianum , a problematic invasive plant in central and north-western Europe. The main objective was to model the current distribution of this species at national (43,000 km²) and regional scale (4900 km²) using autologistic regression with a Danish data set. Presence–absence data were used in a grid system with 5 × 5 km² or 2 × 2 km² as basic units. To avoid misleading presence–absence models and unreliable probability values due to unbalanced data, the prevalence was used as cut-off value, and a favourability function was applied to the model predictions. The national model showed a widespread distribution of H. mantegazzianum with highest habitat suitability in the eastern and northern parts of the country where human population density is high, winters more severe and/or loamy soils more common. At a regional scale the distribution of H. mantegazzianum is associated with alluvial sand cover, high human population density, spring precipitation, and presence of the species in neighbour grid units. The observed widespread national distribution is likely the result of anthropogenic spread of this ornamental plant, while the locally clumped distribution suggests that H. mantegazzianum naturally spreads mainly over short distances. The current distribution in Denmark resembles an intermediate invasion stage where long-distance dispersal is less important, while spread from suitable neighbour habitats is significant. The study demonstrates that the favourability function leads to improved mapping standards for invasive species.     

The status and causes of alien species invasion in China

Data of classification, origin, pathway and environmental impacts of invasive alien micro-organisms, invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles, fish, birds, mammals, weeds, trees, and marine organisms in terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems of China, were analyzed, based on literature retrieval, field survey and consultation. Some 283 invasive alien species were recorded in China, including 19 invasive alien micro-organisms, 18 aquatic plants, 170 terrestrial plants, 25 aquatic invertebrates, 33 terrestrial invertebrates, 3 amphibians and reptiles, 10 fish, and 5 mammals. Of the invasive alien species, 55.1% originated from North and South America, 21.7% from Europe, 9.9% from Asia, 8.1% from Africa and 0.6% from Oceania. Many institutions and individuals in China lack adequate knowledge of ecological and environmental consequences caused by invasive alien species, with some ignorance of the dangerous invasion in the introduction of alien species. For instance, 50.0% of invasive alien plants were intentionally introduced as pasture, feedingstuff, ornamental plants, textile plants, medicinal plants, vegetables, or lawn plants, 25% of alien invasive animals were intentionally introduced for cultivation, ornament, or biological control, In addition, more efforts are being made in the introduction of alien species, and little attention is paid on the management of introduced alien species, which may cause their escape into natural environment and potential threats to the environment. There were also gaps in quarantine system in China. All microorganisms were unintentionally introduced, through timber, seedling, flowerpot, or soil; 76.3% of alien invasive animals invaded through commodity or transportation facility because of the failure of quarantine. Therefore, quarantine measures should be strictly implemented; and meanwhile the intentional introduction of alien species should be strictly managed and a system of risk assessment should be implemented.     

A modelling approach to estimate the effect of exotic pollinators on exotic weed population dynamics: bumblebees and broom in Australia

The role of mutualisms in contributing to species invasions is rarely considered, inhibiting effective risk analysis and management options. Potential ecological consequences of invasion of non‐native pollinators include increased pollination and seed set of invasive plants, with subsequent impacts on population growth rates and rates of spread. We outline a quantitative approach for evaluating the impact of a proposed introduction of an invasive pollinator on existing weed population dynamics and demonstrate the use of this approach on a relatively data‐rich case study: the impacts on Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) from proposed introduction of Bombus terrestris. Three models have been used to assess population growth (matrix model), spread speed (integrodifference equation), and equilibrium occupancy (lattice model) for C. scoparius. We use available demographic data for an Australian population to parameterize two of these models. Increased seed set due to more efficient pollination resulted in a higher population growth rate in the density‐independent matrix model, whereas simulations of enhanced pollination scenarios had a negligible effect on equilibrium weed occupancy in the lattice model. This is attributed to strong microsite limitation of recruitment in invasive C. scoparius populations observed in Australia and incorporated in the lattice model. A lack of information regarding secondary ant dispersal of C. scoparius prevents us from parameterizing the integrodifference equation model for Australia, but studies of invasive populations in California suggest that spread speed will also increase with higher seed set. For microsite‐limited C. scoparius populations, increased seed set has minimal effects on equilibrium site occupancy. However, for density‐independent rapidly invading populations, increased seed set is likely to lead to higher growth rates and spread speeds. The impacts of introduced pollinators on native flora and fauna and the potential for promoting range expansion in pollinator‐limited ‘sleeper weeds’ also remain substantial risks.     

湖北省外来入侵生物及其与社会经济活动的关系

采用实地调查和查阅文献的方法,系统地研究了湖北省外来入侵生物的发生概况,分析了其传入途径及其与人类活动的关系。结果表明,当前湖北省共有外来入侵物种163种。其中,植物病原微生物14种,水生杂草3种,陆生杂草101种,水生无脊椎动物2种,陆生无脊椎动物17种,两栖爬行类3种,鱼类18种,哺乳类5种。在外来入侵杂草中,菊科最多（32种）,占总数的30.8%;禾本科次之（11种）;豆科排第3位（10种）。外来生物入侵湖北省的主要途径有2类：（1）有目的引进,占入侵物种总数的53.4%;（2）无意带入,占入侵物种总数的46.6%。1990-2009年,湖北省的外来入侵物种数随该省的GDP、入境旅游人数、进出口总额和交通密度的增加而明显上升。因此,在大力发展经济的同时,有必要进一步加强引种监管,严格执行检疫措施,以防止新的外来生物入侵。同时,需开展外来入侵生物的防控技术研究,以遏制已入侵物种的传播蔓延,控制其危害。     

Developing dynamic mechanistic species distribution models: predicting bird-mediated spread of invasive plants across northeastern North America

Species distribution models are a fundamental tool in ecology, conservation biology, and biogeography and typically identify potential species distributions using static phenomenological models. We demonstrate the importance of complementing these popular models with spatially explicit, dynamic mechanistic models that link potential and realized distributions. We develop general grid-based, pattern-oriented spread models incorporating three mechanisms--plant population growth, local dispersal, and long-distance dispersal--to predict broadscale spread patterns in heterogeneous landscapes. We use the model to examine the spread of the invasive Celastrus orbiculatus (Oriental bittersweet) by Sturnus vulgaris (European starling) across northeastern North America. We find excellent quantitative agreement with historical spread records over the last century that are critically linked to the geometry of heterogeneous landscapes and each of the explanatory mechanisms considered. Spread of bittersweet before 1960 was primarily driven by high growth rates in developed and agricultural landscapes, while subsequent spread was mediated by expansion into deciduous and coniferous forests. Large, continuous patches of coniferous forests may substantially impede invasion. The success of C. orbiculatus and its potential mutualism with S. vulgaris suggest troubling predictions for the spread of other invasive, fleshy-fruited plant species across northeastern North America.