Introduction to Maritime Transportation:Introduction to Maritime Transportation:Non-Indigenous Aquatic Invasive SpeciesNon-Indigenous Aquatic Invasive Species

Dr. Ted GrosholzDepartment of Environmental

Science and PolicyUniversity of California, Davis

Defining Introduced SpeciesDefining Introduced Species

““Introduced species” (or non-indigenous) Introduced species” (or non-indigenous) are those moved outside their normal are those moved outside their normal range due to human activitiesrange due to human activities

Like extinction, introductions are a Like extinction, introductions are a natural process, but we have increased natural process, but we have increased the natural rate by about 10the natural rate by about 1066

Defining Invasive SpeciesDefining Invasive Species

““Invasive species” are those introduced Invasive species” are those introduced species that cause measurable economic or species that cause measurable economic or ecological damage (most do not)ecological damage (most do not)

Federal Executive Order 13112 states: Federal Executive Order 13112 states: “invasive species” is defined as a species “invasive species” is defined as a species that is (1) non-native (or alien) to the that is (1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and (2) ecosystem under consideration and (2) whose introduction causes or is likely to whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human healthharm to human health

Ecological Consequences of Ecological Consequences of Biological InvasionsBiological Invasions

Biological invasions are among most Biological invasions are among most important threats to global biodiversity, important threats to global biodiversity, second only to habitat losssecond only to habitat loss

Invasive species can consume, out Invasive species can consume, out compete, and drive native species to compete, and drive native species to extinctionextinction

Invasive species can affect the local Invasive species can affect the local diversity and functioning of entire diversity and functioning of entire ecosystemsecosystems

Ecological Consequences of Ecological Consequences of Biological InvasionsBiological Invasions

In the U.S., 10% of all plants and animals In the U.S., 10% of all plants and animals are introducedare introduced

Introduced species are a significant risk Introduced species are a significant risk factor for more than 40% of listed factor for more than 40% of listed threatened and endangered species in the threatened and endangered species in the U.S.U.S.

Economic Consequences of Economic Consequences of Biological InvasionsBiological Invasions

They cost the world’s economy hundreds They cost the world’s economy hundreds of billions per year (IUCN)of billions per year (IUCN)

Introduced species cost the U.S. $128 Introduced species cost the U.S. $128 billion per year (Pimentel et al. 2000)billion per year (Pimentel et al. 2000)

A significant portion of this includes A significant portion of this includes impacts on fisheries, boating, coastal impacts on fisheries, boating, coastal recreation, etc.recreation, etc.

Invasions in U.S. Invasions in U.S. Coastal SystemsCoastal Systems

Few if any coastal systems remain Few if any coastal systems remain without introduced specieswithout introduced species

In U.S. waters, 500 spp. of introduced In U.S. waters, 500 spp. of introduced species species – Great Lakes >140 spp. Great Lakes >140 spp. – Chesapeake Bay >200 spp. Chesapeake Bay >200 spp. – San Francisco Bay >240 spp. San Francisco Bay >240 spp.

In San Francisco Bay, new species every In San Francisco Bay, new species every 14 weeks14 weeks

Millions of Dollars Spent Millions of Dollars Spent in Californiain California

In San Francisco Bay/Delta and elsewhere In San Francisco Bay/Delta and elsewhere in CA, $30 million has been spent over the in CA, $30 million has been spent over the last two decades controlling aquatic last two decades controlling aquatic weeds weeds

In Southern California, the cost of In Southern California, the cost of controlling the seaweed controlling the seaweed Caulerpa taxifolia Caulerpa taxifolia was been $2.5 million per year was been $2.5 million per year

New control programs for invasive plants New control programs for invasive plants ((Spartina Spartina marsh cord grass) are costing marsh cord grass) are costing the state $10-100 thousand per yearthe state $10-100 thousand per year

Intentional IntroductionsIntentional Introductions

Many species have been introduced intentionally Many species have been introduced intentionally for a variety of reasonsfor a variety of reasons

Plants (e.g. marsh grasses) have been brought Plants (e.g. marsh grasses) have been brought into to provide forage for animals or for into to provide forage for animals or for restoration purposesrestoration purposes

Fishes (e.g. striped bass) and shellfish (e.g. Fishes (e.g. striped bass) and shellfish (e.g. oysters) have been introduced to create new oysters) have been introduced to create new fisheriesfisheries

Predators/parasites have been introduced for Predators/parasites have been introduced for biocontrol of agricultural pests (never in a biocontrol of agricultural pests (never in a marine system though)marine system though)

Unintentional IntroductionsUnintentional Introductions

Most introduced species have been Most introduced species have been introduced accidentally or unintentionallyintroduced accidentally or unintentionally

Most of these have been brought in by Most of these have been brought in by transport vectors (ships) or as bait or transport vectors (ships) or as bait or seafoodseafood

In many cases they have been accidental In many cases they have been accidental hitchhikers with aquaculture shipments hitchhikers with aquaculture shipments (e.g. oysters)(e.g. oysters)

Ballast Water ReleaseBallast Water Release

Ballast WaterBallast Water

Ballast water is an important source of Ballast water is an important source of unintended introductions of marine speciesunintended introductions of marine species

Water ships take on to stabilize them, Water ships take on to stabilize them, particularly when they are unloadedparticularly when they are unloaded

Large commercial and military ships may contain Large commercial and military ships may contain over a million gallons of water up to 300 speciesover a million gallons of water up to 300 species

Estimated that 100 million metric tons of ballast Estimated that 100 million metric tons of ballast water with exotic plankton are released daily in water with exotic plankton are released daily in U. S. watersU. S. waters

Fouling on Ship HullsFouling on Ship Hulls

Underwater view of a highly fouled ship hull showing attached fouling organisms

Hull FoulingHull Fouling

Species attached to hull or living in/on others are Species attached to hull or living in/on others are transported among harborstransported among harbors

Although fewer organisms, fouling can include Although fewer organisms, fouling can include reproductive adultsreproductive adults

800 million square meters of wetted surface area into North 800 million square meters of wetted surface area into North America per dayAmerica per day

In U.S., of 171 species introduced due to shipping, more In U.S., of 171 species introduced due to shipping, more are linked to hull fouling than ballast waterare linked to hull fouling than ballast water

In Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia, hull fouling may be In Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia, hull fouling may be the most important vector for introductionsthe most important vector for introductions

VECTORS: Marine Invertebrates & Algae (Fofonoff et al. 2003)

0 50 100 150 200

Biocontrol

Fisheries

Ornamental

Multiple

Shipping

Vect

ors

Number of Species

Including ShippingExcluding Shipping

Possible vector for coastal NIS introduced to North America by shipping (n=171)

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Fouling

Ballast Water

Cargo

Dry Ballast

Number of Species

Hull FoulingHull Fouling

Risk of hull fouling a function of several factorsRisk of hull fouling a function of several factors– Vessel speedVessel speed– Harbor residence timeHarbor residence time– Voyage durationVoyage duration– Surface areaSurface area– Last cleaningLast cleaning– Areas on vessel not subject to shear (intakes, sea Areas on vessel not subject to shear (intakes, sea

chest)chest) New technologies emerging for anti-fouling New technologies emerging for anti-fouling

paintspaints– Less toxic compounds (but still effective)Less toxic compounds (but still effective)– Teflon coatings, organisms slough offTeflon coatings, organisms slough off

Recreational Boats Recreational Boats and Trailersand Trailers

Recreational boats and trailers are frequently and rapidly transported over significant distances

Little regulation regarding cleaning boats, trailers, other exposed equipment

Recreational Boats Recreational Boats and Trailersand Trailers

Very likely possibility of zebra mussels invading California

Several instances of live zebra mussels found on boats entering CA

A matter of time…

Other Shipping Pathways Other Shipping Pathways for Introduced Speciesfor Introduced Species

Docks, barges and oilrigs with fouling can Docks, barges and oilrigs with fouling can introduce organismsintroduce organisms

Sediments, sands, gravel, or rocks with Sediments, sands, gravel, or rocks with organisms can result in introductions organisms can result in introductions

Traps, ropes, anchors, buoys, etc. all can Traps, ropes, anchors, buoys, etc. all can transport species to new areastransport species to new areas

Transport of these items can accelerate Transport of these items can accelerate the movement of species along coasts the movement of species along coasts from initial site of introductionfrom initial site of introduction

Other Pathways of Other Pathways of IntroductionIntroduction

Release from home aquariumsEscape of live seafood productsDumping of live bait containers and

packing materials

Other Pathways of Other Pathways of IntroductionIntroduction

Transfers of aquaculture products or fish stocks

Intentional introductions to establish new fisheries

Escape from backyard ornamental ponds

Examples of ImpactsExamples of Impacts

Zebra mussels cost $100s million per year Zebra mussels cost $100s million per year in U.S. to remove from water pipes, in U.S. to remove from water pipes, screens, intakesscreens, intakes

Aquatic plants (Aquatic plants (Hydrilla, Egeria, Hydrilla, Egeria, Water Water Hyacinth) and seaweed invasions Hyacinth) and seaweed invasions ((Caulerpa Caulerpa in So. CA) cost CA $$ millions in So. CA) cost CA $$ millions per yearper year

In CA, Chinese mitten crabs, European In CA, Chinese mitten crabs, European green crabs and other have also resulted green crabs and other have also resulted in substantial costsin substantial costs

Example:Example:San Francisco BaySan Francisco Bay

Asian Clam (Asian Clam (Potamocorbula amurensisPotamocorbula amurensis))– Has eliminated seasonal cycle of planktonic plants that Has eliminated seasonal cycle of planktonic plants that

support the SF Bay foodwebsupport the SF Bay foodweb Asian Copepods (Asian Copepods (Limnoithona tetraspinaLimnoithona tetraspina, , Tortanus Tortanus

dextrilobatusdextrilobatus))– Replaces native copepods, not good food for fishesReplaces native copepods, not good food for fishes

Introduced species may are likely contributing Introduced species may are likely contributing significantly to the decline of fishes/pelagic significantly to the decline of fishes/pelagic organisms in SF Bay (the Pelagic Organism Decline organisms in SF Bay (the Pelagic Organism Decline POD)POD)

Example:Example:San Francisco Bay/DeltaSan Francisco Bay/Delta

Native Copepod

Introduced Copepod

Example:Example:San Francisco Bay/DeltaSan Francisco Bay/Delta

From California Dept. of Fish and Game

Example: San Diego and Example: San Diego and Orange CountyOrange County

The invasive alga The invasive alga Caulerpa taxifolia Caulerpa taxifolia (Med.) had (Med.) had huge impacts in Mediterranean where no control huge impacts in Mediterranean where no control measures usedmeasures used

In CA since 2001, it has cost more than $6 million In CA since 2001, it has cost more than $6 million for it’s eradicationfor it’s eradication

Officially declared eradicated Feb. 2006Officially declared eradicated Feb. 2006

Example:Example:Sac-SJ DeltaSac-SJ Delta

Chinese Mitten Crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) live in freshwater as juveniles then return to Bay to reproduce

Mitten Crabs clogged Fish Salvage Facilities in 1998 and nearly shut down the Tracy facility

Could shut down irrigated agriculture statewide

Solutions: Solutions: Early DetectionEarly Detection

Most cost-effective investment is fund a regular survey of high priority sites of introduction

Early detection of an invasion can allow eradication just after the species has become established

An annual survey of 6 high priority sites in CA could be accomplished cheaply saving the state millions

Solutions:Solutions:Rapid ResponseRapid Response

Eradication is only possible as the result of early detection and a very rapid response

A comprehensive rapid response plan for priority species is required for effectively dealing with a new invasion

Prior agreements/MOUs outlining authorities and means of coordination must be in place before the invasion

Public education to raise awareness about the the risks and costs of invasions

Solutions: Eradication Solutions: Eradication

Eradication is difficult but not impossible if Eradication is difficult but not impossible if initiated early in the invasioninitiated early in the invasion

Several successful eradications in Several successful eradications in marine/estuarine systemsmarine/estuarine systems– Striped mussel (Striped mussel (Mytilopsis Mytilopsis sallei) in Australiasallei) in Australia– Abalone parasite in California (Abalone parasite in California (Terebrasabella Terebrasabella

heterouncinataheterouncinata) ) – Caulerpa taxifolia Caulerpa taxifolia in southern Californiain southern California– Brown algae (Brown algae (Ascophyllum nodosumAscophyllum nodosum) in SF Bay) in SF Bay

Policy Issues: Policy Issues: Ballast Water LegislationBallast Water Legislation

Federal legislation (mandatory reporting)Federal legislation (mandatory reporting)– NISA (1996)NISA (1996)– NAISA (near future)NAISA (near future)

State legislationState legislation– California AB 703 (1999) and AB 433 (2003) California AB 703 (1999) and AB 433 (2003) – CA State Lands Comm. and US Coast GuardCA State Lands Comm. and US Coast Guard– Requires flow through exchange or open Requires flow through exchange or open

ocean exchange beyond 200 nm and 2000 m ocean exchange beyond 200 nm and 2000 m depth (ships >300 GRT)depth (ships >300 GRT)

– Requires reporting, ballast management plan, Requires reporting, ballast management plan, ballast water log, personnel training, etc.ballast water log, personnel training, etc.

Policy Issues: Policy Issues: Ballast Water LegislationBallast Water Legislation

FutureFuture– Alternate Ballast Water Exchange Areas Alternate Ballast Water Exchange Areas

(ABWEA)(ABWEA) For ships coming from outside 200 nm without For ships coming from outside 200 nm without

exchanging, provide alternate exchange sitesexchanging, provide alternate exchange sites– New technologies possible for ballast New technologies possible for ballast

treatmenttreatment Ship based (e.g. cyclonic separation, Ship based (e.g. cyclonic separation,

deoxygenation, filtration, UV, chemicals)deoxygenation, filtration, UV, chemicals) Shore based (e.g. feed to existing treatment Shore based (e.g. feed to existing treatment

systems)systems)

Case Study: Port of Case Study: Port of Oakland ExpansionOakland Expansion

Plans to expand the Port of Oakland In 2001, Center for Marine Conservation and San

Francisco BayKeeper sued ACE, USFWS and NMFS Environmentalists argued that expansion would

violate ESA and NEPA by bringing in more ballast water and introduced species into the bay

The risk of increased ballast release and invasive species are a concern for several new or expanding ports along the west coast

Case Study:Case Study:The Mothball FleetThe Mothball Fleet

Section 1158 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1986 (46 USC App. 1158) gives the Secretary of Transportation the authority to sell or scrap obsolete vessels transferred to or acquired by MARAD

Section 6 of the National Maritime Heritage Act of 1994 (PL 103-451) directs the Secretary of Transportation to dispose of vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet not assigned to the Ready Reserve Force

This Suisun Fleet was considered for “ship breaking” This Suisun Fleet was considered for “ship breaking” in Newport, ORin Newport, OR

Concern about introducing species from SF Bay to Concern about introducing species from SF Bay to Newport Bay, since ships sitting for years without Newport Bay, since ships sitting for years without cleaningcleaning

Case Study:Case Study:The Mothball FleetThe Mothball Fleet

Two ships were monitored as they were Two ships were monitored as they were moved from Suisun through Panama moved from Suisun through Panama Canal to the Gulf of Mexico (40 days)Canal to the Gulf of Mexico (40 days)

Many organisms died but some Many organisms died but some (barnacles, hydroids) made it through the (barnacles, hydroids) made it through the ocean-freshwater transitionocean-freshwater transition

Concern about the movement of retired vessels will continue to be an important issue for MARAD

For More Information:

Aquatic Bioinvasion Research and Policy Institute

– www.clr.pdx.edu/abrpi/ West Coast Ballast

– http://ballast-outreach-ucsgep.ucdavis.edu/ Smithsonian Marine Bioinvasions Laboratory

– http://www.serc.si.edu/labs/marine_invasions/ Reducing the Introduction and Distribution of

Non-Native Invasive Species (RIDNIS)– http://www.ridnis.ucdavis.edu/