Invasive species in Coastal Ecosystems:

Causes, Impacts and Management

Recommendations

Mónica A. Flores-Hernández

CIAM 6117: Coastal Environments

Dr. Loretta Roberson

October 28, 2015

Today's topics

Introduction

◦ What is an invasive specie?

◦ Pathways

◦ Geographical extent

Impacts to coastal ecosystems

Invasive species in P.R.

Management

◦ What have been done?

◦ What could be done?

What is an invasive species?

◦ Invasive species: alien species whose introduction

does or is likely to cause economic, environmental

or human health harm.

Scientific definition (article)

◦ any specie reported to have become

established outside of its native range.

US Federal Executive Order 13112 (1999)

◦ Alien species: any species, including any of

their biological material capable of propagating

that species, that is not native to that ecosystem.

http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/laws/execorder.shtml

Types

http://atlas.eea.uprm.edu/plantas/jacinto-de-agua

wayfaring.info

Pathways

“any means that allows entry or spread of an

invasive species” (Campbell and Kriesch 2003).

Transportation

◦ Ballast and/or fouling (57% of harmful species)

◦ Dredge spoil material

◦ Canals

◦ Containers

◦ Tourism

http://www.steamshipmutual.co

m/publications/Articles/USBW

DS1012.htm

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/dredging.html

Pathways

Commerce (industries, some pics)

Live seafood trade

Livestock

Aquaculture and mariculture activities (64%

harmful species)

Pet , aquarium, agricultural trade (legal and illegal)

Bait industry

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea

gigas) has been intentionally

released and cultured in

coastal waters around the

world. It can dominate native

species and destroy habitat

(ecological impact = 3).

Molnar, Gamboa, Revenga & Spalding, 2008)

Geographical extent

Numbers of known harmful alien species

No Data 1–2 3–7 8–15 16–30 31–56

Other alien species reported

66% 73%

74%

73%

Molnar, Gamboa, Revenga & Spalding, 2008)

The most…

Common invasive species found

crustaceans (59)

mollusks (54)

algae (46)

fish (38)

annelids (31)

plants (19)

cnidarians (17)

Threatening

57% of species in our database are harmful, ranging from 47% of cnidarians to 84% of plants

http://aquaculture.org.nz/industry/pacific-oysters/

Impacts to Coastal Ecosystems

Impacts to marine biodiversity

Second greatest threat to biodiversity

◦ Displacement of native species

◦ Change the community structure (food webs)

Predation

Competition for resources

◦ Alter ecosystem processes

Nutrient cycling

Sedimentation

Impacts to Coastal Ecosystems

Economic impacts

◦ Diminish fisheries and tourism

◦ Increased maintance costs of ships

Foul ship hulls

Clog intake pipes

Health impacts Invasive species can serve as disease, pathogens and

parasite vectors.

ALIEN SPECIES IN PUERTO RICO

Pterois volitans & Pterois miles

Common name: Lionfish and Firefish

Means of introduction

◦ Aquarium trade and pet release

Impacts

◦ Decrease of coral-reef fishes recruitment (Albins & Hixon, 2008).

◦ Predation of native fishes and juvenile crustaceans.

◦ Harmful changes of coral reef communities.

(USGS, 2015)

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/SpeciesList.aspx?group=&state=PR&Sortby=3

Penaeus monodon

Common name: Asian tiger shrimp

Means of introduction:

◦ 1970s and 80s global production.

◦ Escapement from aquaculture facilities

following flooding by storms and hurricanes.

◦ Migration from areas where it was

established in the wild.

Impacts:

◦ No impacts have been registered.

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.a

spx?SpeciesID=1209

(USGS, 2015)

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/SpeciesList.aspx?group=&state=PR&Sortby=3

Otaria flavescens

Common name: South American sea lion

One specimen found at Flamenco Beach

in Culebra, P.R.

(USGS, 2015)

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/SpeciesList.aspx?group=&state=PR&Sortby=3

Management

What has been done?

◦ Several National, academic and private efforts

are in place.

US National Invasive Species Council’s Pathways

Team

Global Invasive Species Information Network

Management

Challenges

◦ Local impacts, global drivers.

◦ Inconsistencies in definitions and data formats.

◦ Lack of information regarding impacts.

◦ Once established, most are difficult if not impossible to remove or control.

◦ Limited funds.

Management

◦ Prioritizing actions

Harmful species (Byers et al. 2002)

Current distributions

Pathways to new regions Interception or removal of pathways (Carlton and Ruiz 2005).

Focus on shipping activities

◦ Reporting and documenting threats and impacts.

◦ Informing strategies and introduction decisions.

Guide questions

What could be the factors influencing the presence of invasive species in the places mentioned?

Are invasive species an issue in Puerto Rico? Why?

What is the importance of maintaining high biodiversity in the Climate Change scenario?

How could scientific research influence public policy and management to control invasive species?