Published in March 2019
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Viewpoint articles
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Calum MacNeil
‘One is the loneliest number’; are we witnessing the death throes of the single-author research paper in the field of biological invasions? (pp 1-5) |
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Single-author papers are the lowest relative contributors to the research output of international open access journals BioInvasions Records (BIR),
Aquatic Invasions (AI) and Management of Biological Invasions (MBI), accounting for 5% or less of published papers. In contrast,
papers by four or more authors are the highest contributors, accounting for over half of the research output for the three journals. Papers by two or three
authors are intermediate between these extremes, accounting for 15–23% of research ouputs. The relative contributions of research papers by single-authors
to the output of AI and MBI has also significantly declined over time, while concurrently those by four or more authors has significantly increased.
Although not significant, a similar pattern is also evident in BIR. Considering invasion ecology research, factors such as increasing globalisation,
the increasing use of transboundary data-sets for invasive species and the proliferation of collaborative multidisciplinary author teams with multiple skill-sets,
may be driving single-author papers to extinction.
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Catherine M. Cullinane Thomas, Helen R. Sofaer, Sarah A. Cline and Catherine S. Jarnevich
Integrating landscape simulation models with economic and decision tools for invasive species control (pp 6-22) |
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In managing invasive species, land managers and policy makers need information to help allocate scarce resources as efficiently
and effectively as possible. Decisions regarding treatment methods, locations, effort, and timing can be informed by the integration
of landscape simulation models with economic tools. State and transition simulation models align with conceptual models of ecosystem
change often used by practitioners and have been used to characterize the potential consequences of invasions. Outputs of these simulations
are typically summarized to describe landscape changes (e.g., infested area), which may provide sufficient information for mangers to make
informed decisions. However, it is sometimes helpful or necessary to go a step further to consider the social and economic values associated
with treating (or not treating) invasions. Here, we describe when and how to integrate state and transition simulation models with economic
and decision tools to aid in the control of emerging and established populations of invasive species. The paper provides an overview of three types
of questions that can be addressed: 1) how big is the problem? 2) which management strategy is most appropriate? and 3) what are key sources
of uncertainty? For each question, we describe aspects that can be addressed by landscape simulation models alone, and outstanding questions
that can be evaluated by integrating economic and decision tools. Through a series of example applications from the literature, we reinforce
how the integration of these tools, and the interdisciplinary perspective such an integration requires, can increase relevance and utility
of modeling efforts for resource managers and decision makers.
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Review
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Fred E. Wells, Koh Siang Tan, Peter A. Todd, Zeehan Jaafar and Darren C. J. Yeo
A low number of introduced marine species in the tropics: a case study from Singapore (pp 23-45) |
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Non-indigenous marine species (NIMS) are being transported around the world by anthropogenic mechanisms, particularly by vessels in ballast water
or as biofouling. A small subset of NIMS become invasive marine species (IMS) and can cause considerable damage to local marine ecosystems.
Understanding where NIMS originate, how they are transported, and their effects in the new environments are crucial to the management of IMS.
As one of the busiest ports in the world that handles tens of thousands of high invasion-risk vessels annually, Singapore is regarded as being
at very high risk for the introduction of NIMS and IMS. However, a compilation of 3,650 marine invertebrates, fishes and plants revealed that
only 22 species have been confirmed as NIMS. The results are consistent with a growing dataset that suggests biodiverse marine ecosystems
in the tropical Indo-West Pacific are less susceptible to introductions than previously thought.
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Research articles
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Jenni E. Kakkonen, Tim M. Worsfold, Christopher W. Ashelby, Andrea Taylor and Katy Beaton
The value of regular monitoring and diverse sampling techniques to assess aquatic non-native species: a case study from Orkney (pp 46-79) |
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A monitoring programme for marine and brackish water non-native species, initiated by Orkney Islands Council, has produced comparable data
from multiple sites since 2012. Sampling was performed at both natural habitats and areas under anthropogenic influence, such as marinas,
and has included rapid assessment, wall scrape, settlement panel, benthic grab and phytoplankton samples, from which 15 NNS and 12 cryptogenic
species have been recorded, of which three NNS (Boccardia proboscidea, Asterocarpa humilis and Melanothamnus harveyi)
and one cryptogenic (Ctenodrilus serratus) represent new records for Orkney. A historical bibliographic and database review, conducted
also within this study, shows these results to represent 71% of all non-native and 60% of all cryptogenic species ever found to have been
identified for Orkney (total 41 non-native or cryptogenic species). The most widespread non-native species found in the present study were
red algae (Melanothamnus harveyi and Bonnemaisonia hamifera), the bryozoan Schizoporella japonica and the Japanese
skeleton shrimp (Caprella mutica). Many of the benthic non-native species recorded were found in multiple sample types but some
of the smaller species were missing from rapid assessment samples. Additional methods and locations would be necessary to produce a complete
inventory of non-native species in Orkney, as evidenced by comparison with records from other sources. The programme has provided a valuable
baseline, including new Orkney records for some non-native species. Continuity and comparability of future surveys will be essential to monitor
changes in the distribution and abundance of current non-native species and for tracking new arrivals.
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Bruno Passarelli and Bruno Pernet
The marine live bait trade as a pathway for the introduction of non-indigenous species into California: patterns of importation and thermal tolerances of imported specimens (pp 80-95) |
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Importation of marine live bait may be an important pathway for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS), but little is known about
the diversity of species or the numbers of individuals imported via this pathway. In 2009, we investigated the marine live bait trade
in California as a potential introduction pathway for NIS. We estimated that in that year, ~1,900,000 ghost shrimp (Neotrypaea californiensis),
~ 575,000 bloodworms (Glycera dibranchiata), ~ 600,000 pileworms (Alitta virens), and ~ 1,100,000 lugworms (Perinereis sp.)
were imported into California from different parts of the world. Along with the target imported species, hitchhiker species were commonly observed
in live bait shipments. We exposed two of the live bait species (G. dibranchiata and Perinereis sp.) to a range of temperature
conditions (12, 16, and 24 °C) found in nearshore marine habitats of southern California, and found that their short-term survival was
not restricted at the two cooler temperature conditions, but that survival of Perinereis sp. was significantly reduced at the highest
temperature, 24 °C. Though relatively few bait species were imported into the state in 2009, the large number of individuals imported
and their high survival in thermal conditions typical of southern California habitats suggests that the live bait trade may be an important
potential pathway for the introduction of NIS to this region.
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Jon J. Amberg, Christopher M. Merkes, Wendylee Stott, Christopher B. Rees and Richard A. Erickson
Environmental DNA as a tool to help inform zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, management in inland lakes (pp 96-110) |
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Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are an aquatic invasive species that plague much of North America and are difficult to impossible
to eradicate once they become established. Therefore, prevention and monitoring are key elements in the control of these organisms. Traditional
microscopy is commonly used in monitoring but requires the presence of larval veligers. This limits the times when resource managers can monitor
for the presence in northern lakes. A new monitoring tool, environmental DNA (eDNA), may allow for a more efficient and cost-effective monitoring
program for zebra mussels. We developed and tested an environmental DNA assay in the fall and spring for zebra mussels in two Minnesota lakes,
one heavily infested and another newly infested. We found that DNA copy numbers tended to be higher near the lake bottom and DNA was more concentrated
in softer substrates. We also found that the amount of zebra mussel DNA sampling in winter resulted in similar results to when sampled in fall.
This suggests that one could collect and analyze eDNA for zebra mussels during winter months to help inform future efforts in monitoring and control.
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Neil E. Coughlan, Ross N. Cuthbert, James W.E. Dickey, Kate Crane, Joe M. Caffrey, Frances E. Lucy, Eithne Davis and Jaimie T.A. Dick
Better biosecurity: spread-prevention of the invasive Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774) (pp 111-126) |
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Aquatic invasive species (AIS) negatively impact freshwater ecosystems on a global scale. As management options for control and eradication
of established AIS populations are often complex, costly and resource-intensive, spread-prevention protocols are considered essential.
The Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea (Müller, 1774), is considered a high-impact successful invader that can adversely alter freshwater habitats,
community dynamics and ecosystem function. Accordingly, we examine the efficacy of a range of biosecurity techniques, including recommended (aquatic
disinfectants, bleach and salt solutions) and more novel (hot water and direct steam) approaches, to induce adult C. fluminea mortality.
In separate experiments, C. fluminea were submerged at 12 °C for up to 80 minutes in: 1) 2% and 4% solutions of Virasure® Aquatic and Virkon® Aquatic;
2) warm (30 °C) 2% and 4% solutions of these disinfectants; and 3) 10% and 20% bleach solutions. Furthermore, specimens were exposed to: 4) 30% and 70% salt
solutions (NaCl) for up to 72 hrs; 5) hot water (35, 40 and 45 °C) for up to 20 minutes; and 6), direct steam exposure for up to 10 minutes. Adult
C. fluminea were found to be largely resistant to aquatic disinfectants, bleach and salt solutions, with ≤ 58% mortality achieved at the maximum
exposure times. However, immersion in hot water (≥ 45 °C) and direct steam exposure for five minutes and 30 seconds, respectively, rapidly caused mortality.
Accordingly, simple biosecurity protocols that cause thermal shock appear highly effective. We discuss the need for further examination of biosecurity
protocols across all life stages of current, emerging and potential AIS, and provide guidance for improving biosecurity practices.
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Yuguo Xia, Wenwu Zhao, Yingliang Xie, Huimin Xue, Jie Li, Yuefei Li, Weitao Chen, Yanfei Huang and Xinhui Li
Ecological and economic impacts of exotic fish species on fisheries in the Pearl River basin (pp 127-138) |
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The Pearl River basin has the highest fish diversity in China and has been identified as a global hotspot of fish biodiversity.
Twenty-three exotic fish species are distributed in the Pearl River basin, tilapias, North African catfish, roho labeo, and mrigal
carp have become important exotic species to the local fisheries economy. We investigated catches in the Pearl River basin using
an isometric random sampling method and analyzed the ecological and economic impacts of exotic species. The results show that
the biomass percentage of exotic species in the upper reaches of the Pearl River basin was higher than that in other regions,
and was higher in the drought season than in the flood season. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the abundances
of exotic species were significantly positively correlated, which indicates that they might have joint impacts.
Although exotic species enhance fishing production, they decrease the income of fishermen. A multiple linear model indicated
that as the biomass percentage of exotic species increased by one percent, the income decreased by 20.19 RMB/vessel/month
(RMB, Ren Min Bi, Chinese currency) at a given site. This inevitably caused the fishermen to catch more fish to increase their income.
It is urgent to assess the invasion potential of introduced species in southern China and limit both the biomass and spread of exotic species.
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Jiao Qin, Fei Cheng, Lei Zhang, Bjorn Victor Schmidt, Jian Liu and Songguang Xie
Invasions of two estuarine gobiid species interactively induced from water diversion and saltwater intrusion (pp 139-150) |
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The East Route of South-to-North Water Transfer Project of China (ESNT) uses the Grand Canal as the main pathway for water conveyance from the Yangtze River
upstream to northern China and links five major lakes that serve as water storages along the route. The ESNT was completed in 2013. It was expanded from the
existing Northern Jiangsu Water Transfer Project (NJWT), which had been in place since the 1960s. We observed invasions of two estuarine gobiids,
Taenioides cirratus (Blyth, 1860) and Tridentiger bifasciatus (Steindachner, 1881), into the linked lakes. Taenioides cirratus
was first reported in Luoma Lake in 2005 and Nansi Lake in 2011. Tridentiger bifasciatus was first observed in Luoma and Nansi lakes in 2015
and in Dongping Lake in 2016. Invasion of T. cirratus was probably associated with the operation of the NJWT, and then enhanced by operation of the
ESNT. Invasion of T. bifasciatus was associated with operation of the ESNT. The ESNT/ NJWT is mainly operated during winter and spring when
the Yangtze River is at the annual minimum discharge. Impoundment of reservoirs at the upper Yangtze River and its tributaries has dramatically reduced
river discharge, which induces saltwater intrusion upstream to the donor area of the ESNT. Thus, estuarine gobiids can reach the donor region,
and be dispersed upstream through water diversion. There are several other fish species in the Yangtze Estuary that have life history traits similar
to these two gobiids and can also live in a wide range of salinities. It is important to evaluate their invasive risks in the future.
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Bart Steen, Ana Cristina Cardoso, Konstantinos Tsiamis, Karen Nieto, Janina Engel and Eugenio Gervasini
Modelling hot spot areas for the invasive alien plant Elodea nuttallii in the EU (pp 151-170) |
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Elodea nuttallii is an invasive plant widely distributed in many European freshwater habitats. The species has been recently added to the list
of invasive alien species of Union concern (European Union (EU) Regulation 1143/2014). We aim to investigate the species’ potential distribution across
the EU to provide a scientific basis for preventing further spread. To this end, we generated a model-based habitat suitability map for E. nuttallii
in the EU, showing areas where the plant is most likely to establish and persist over time. The MaxEnt algorithm was used for implementing the map, taking
into account environmental information and the most updated geographically referenced data on the species’ occurrence. The R package ENMeval and extraction
of occurrence data at two spatial scales were used to compensate for sampling bias and model overfitting. Our results suggest that most of the EU suitable
areas for the establishment of E. nuttallii are already occupied by the species. Still, there are many non-infested areas across the EU, and
considering the rapid spread of E. nuttallii and the highly connected waterbodies in Europe, it is likely that these areas will be invaded
in the near future. Among these, several areas fall within sites of the Natura 2000 protected network. We suggest that these areas should receive
conservation priority, and early warning and rapid response mechanisms should be locally developed against new introductions of the species.
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Phillip J. Haubrock, Paride Balzani, Alberto Criado, Alberto F. Inghilesi, Elena Tricarico
and Agustín P. Monteoliva
Predicting the effects of reintroducing a native predator (European eel, Anguilla anguilla) into a freshwater community dominated
by alien species using a multidisciplinary approach (pp 171-191) |
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Multiple introductions of alien species can lead to the formation of new and diverse communities with diverse interactions, particularly
in isolated freshwater ecosystems. In Lake Arréo (currently known as Caicedo-Yuso), located in Basque Country, Northern Spain, the introduction
of several North American species (largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus and the red swamp crayfish
Procambarus clarkii) and the common carp Cyprinus carpio has resulted in a unique community composed mainly of alien species.
Previous efforts to eradicate them by intensive fishing/trapping have failed. Reintroduction of native predators could represent a complementary method,
with an added biodiversity value. The reintroduction of the European eel Anguilla anguilla could lead to an increased predation on crayfish
as shown by previous studies, but also affects the abundance of juvenile fish. To investigate the current situation of Lake Arreo, stable isotope
analyses were conducted using 15 muscle tissue samples per each fish and crayfish species, while stomach contents of the same species were analysed.
Additionally, samples from the common reed Phragmites australis, the trophically lowest food source available for fish and crayfish species,
were collected and used as baseline for the isotope analysis. To investigate the usefulness of stable isotopes to predict the effects of species
reintroductions on present species communities, available stable isotope and diet data from A. anguilla in a German freshwater lake with
a similar species composition were retrieved and included in the Arreo community analysis. While results from both, dietary and stable isotope analyses,
indicate high interactions among alien species with P. clarkii having a central position, the modelled reintroduction of A. anguilla
shows to possibly affect recruits of alien fish species as well as an increased feeding of M. salmoides on reintroduced eels.
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Information management
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Joeseph P. Smith, El K. Lower, Felix A. Martinez, Catherine M. Riseng, Lacey A. Mason,
Edward S. Rutherford, Matthew Neilson, Pam Fuller, Kevin E. Wehrly and Rochelle A. Sturtevant
Interactive mapping of nonindigenous species in the Laurentian Great Lakes (pp 192-199) |
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Nonindigenous species pose significant risks to the health and integrity of ecosystems around the world. Tracking and communicating the spread of these
species has been of interest to ecologists and environmental managers for many years, particularly in the bi-national Laurentian Great Lakes of North America.
In this paper, we introduce the Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System (GLANSIS) Map Explorer. The Map Explorer provides access
to records of documented nonindigenous species and their spatial distributions. Users may view the distributions of well-known nonindigenous species (such as
zebra mussels) as well as perform custom queries. Additional map layers allow users to compare the distribution of nonindigenous species to environmental
conditions. This tool serves to communicate knowledge to diverse stakeholder groups and to enable further in-depth research on nonindigenous species.
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