Variability in the settlement of non-indigenous species in benthic communities from an oceanic island

Abstract

The introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) in new environments represents a major threat for coastal ecosystems. A good understanding of the mechanisms and magnitude of the impact of NIS colonisation on native ecosystems is becoming increasingly crucial to develop mitigation measures and prevent new invasions. In this present study, we asked if distinct coastal benthic communities from an oceanic island can have different vulnerability to NIS colonisation process. First, PVC settlement plates were deployed for 1 year on the rocky shore of two different locations of Madeira Island (North versus South coast). Then, we implemented a mesocosm experiment where recruited plate communities were maintained under different levels of NIS propagule pressure in order to assess their vulnerability to NIS colonisation process. Results showed that NIS colonisation success was not influenced by the level of propagule pressure, but however, final colonisation patterns varied depending on the origin of the communities. This variability can be attributed to major structural differences between the preponderant species of each community and therefore to the biotic substrate they offer to colonisers. This study highlights how biotic features can alter the NIS colonisation process and importantly, shows that in an urbanisation context, the nature of the resident communities facing invasions risks needs to be closely assessed. which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

The Influence of Marina Characteristics on Non-native Colonisation

“…The high invasion success has been reported in disturbed ecosystems and communities with low species diversity because these disturbed habitats have high and frequent inputs of invasive non-natives in harbours and marinas. This integration increases the invasion success, and thus the colonization risk increases in the established communitie (Riera et al, 2018). In contrast, in polluted marine habitats, propagule pressure restricts invasive non-native settlement compared to other parameters such as abiotic factors (pollutants) or environmental disturbance, so it is interesting to note that under natural conditions, these disturbed habitats and propagule pressures are often related to each other in terms of invasive non-native diversity (Riera et al, 2018).…”

From Plates to Baits: Using a Remote Video Foraging System to Study the Impact of Foraging on Fouling Non-Indigenous Species

“…In such cases, native consumers (predators and grazers) often reject feeding on NIS and selectively target a native-based diet. This behaviour can facilitate the proliferation and spread of NIS [20][21][22][23]. In contrast, local consumers that feed on NIS can control NIS dominance through trophic interactions, exerting a top-down control over potential invaders [24][25][26][27].…”

Impacts of man-made structures on marine biodiversity and species status - native & non-native species

“…Several studies have also indicated that the invasive species have a competitive edge over the native species as they have relatively high reproductive rate, high survival rate, fast growth and phenotypic plasticity (Dafforn 2017;Simpson et al 2017;Epstein & Smale 2018;Riera et al 2018). Ultimately, non-native species may perform better at an invaded area than at their native regions (e.g., Parker et al 2013).…”

“…With the proliferation of man-made structures along the world's coast, there are many chances for a non-native species to establish and spread (Simberloff & Von Holle 1999;Bulleri et al 2006;Tyrrell & Byers 2007;Dafforn et al 2009Dafforn et al , 2012Airoldi & Bulleri 2011;Perkol-Finkel et al 2012;Theuerkauf et al 2018). This is especially the case for Northern hemisphere M. galloprovincialis, which is known as one of the aggressive invaders, with competitive traits such as high growth, high reproduction rate and phenotypic plasticity that help them acclimatise to many environments (Dafforn 2017;Simpson et al 2017;Epstein & Smale 2018;Riera et al 2018). Having said that, M. galloprovincialis is highly used in shellfish industries for its economic value all around the world as it has successfully invaded most of the regions worldwide (Wonham 1999;Daguin & Borsa, 2000;Hilbish et al 2000;Anderson & Thompson 2002;Borsa et al 2012;Oyarzún et al 2016;Pickett & David 2018).…”

“…It is evident from the decade worth of studies that it is difficult to get to grips with invasions and their unpredictable consequences to the environment. The importance of bioinvasions varies on a case by case basis, as in some instances they can improve the functional diversity and can also pose a threat to the native species and their environment (Leppäkoski 2002;Glasby et al 2007;Gallardo & Aldridge 2013;Thomsen et al 2014;Corriero et al 2016;Gestoso et al 2017;Riera et al 2018). An ongoing increase in human population and demand for resources will put pressure on the marine environment, thereby altering ecosystem services.…”