Assessing the global threat of invasive species to marine biodiversity
This paper presents the first global quantitative assessment of invasive species in marine ecosystems. Using data from over 350 sources, it analyzes the distribution, impacts, and introduction pathways of 329 marine invasive species, identifying international shipping and aquaculture as major drivers and providing a publicly available database to support management decisions.
Subject Tags
- Aquaculture
- Biodiversity
Abstract
Although invasive species are widely recognized as a major threat to marine biodiversity, there has been no quantitative global assessment of their impacts and routes of introduction. Here, we report initial results from the first such global assessment. Drawing from over 350 databases and other sources, we synthesized information on 329 marine invasive species, including their distribution, impacts on biodiversity, and introduction pathways. Initial analyses show that only 16% of marine ecoregions have no reported marine invasions, and even that figure may be inflated due to under-reporting. International shipping, followed by aquaculture, represent the major means of introduction. Our geographically referenced and publicly available database provides a framework that can be used to highlight the invasive taxa that are most threatening, as well as to prioritize the invasion pathways that pose the greatest threat.
Citation
Molnar, J. L., Gamboa, R. L., Revenga, C., & Spalding, M. D. (2008). Assessing the global threat of invasive species to marine biodiversity. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 6(9), 485-492.
TNC Authors
-
Mark Spalding
Senior Marine Scientist. Protect Oceans, Lands and Waters
The Nature Conservancy
Email: mspalding@tnc.org -
Carmen Revenga
Coastal Fisheries Strategy Lead. Provide Food and Water
The Nature Conservancy
Email: crevenga@tnc.org