Dispersal of invasive species by ballast water

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The dispersal of invasive species by ballast water refers to the unintentional introduction of

ecological balance of their new regions by outcompeting native species or otherwise impacting native ecosystems.[1]

Ballast water

Diagram depicts invasive species being transported to and discharged into non-native habitats.

The purpose of ballast water is to provide

exotic species that can cause extensive ecological and economic damage to aquatic ecosystems.[1]

Throughout this process, large ships withdraw up to 20 million gallons of water at their specific loading ports. Including native species; both plant and animal, before disposing them at their next destination.  However, when these invasive species are unloaded, specific conditions like temperature, salinity, lack of resources, and predator-to-prey competition affects how foreign species survive in non-native habitats.[citation needed] These factors cause stress within the ecosystems, throwing off ecological and environmental balance.

As new species are introduced to non-native ecosystems, interspecific competition often becomes more intense. If native species are outcompeted by invasive species, it can affect the established predator-prey relationships within that region, possibly having disruptive effects on the wider food web.[citation needed]

Invasive species

Freshwater zebra mussel

monotypic populations, have been shown to damage abiotic components found in invaded habitats such as boats, waterways, harbors, water treatment plants, and power plants.[citation needed
]

Sea walnut

Mnemiopsis leidyi
, commonly known as the Sea Walnut.

Mnemiopsis leidyi, commonly known as the sea walnut, is a ctenophore species in the class Tentaculata.[citation needed] This species is native to the eastern coast of North and South America. Currently, Mnemiopsis leidyi has become invasive through the transfer of ballast water to the Black, Azov, Aegean and Marmara Seas, west coast of Sweden, and the Southern and Northern Baltic Sea.[3] This carnivorous species feeds on zooplankton, crustaceans, fish eggs and larvae. Some individuals are known to consume individuals of their own species. Specifically, Mnemiopsis sp. has become an ecological problem for local fisheries
because they have been linked to the diminishing zooplankton population.

Green crab

Carcinus maenas, commonly known as the green crab, is native to the Baltic Sea and the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. This species has become invasive to North America, South Africa, South America, Asia, and Australia. This widely spread invasive species is often distributed by ship ballast water.[4] C. maenas is a voracious predator to many species such as worms, mollusks, oysters, and clams. The competitiveness and efficiency of this species out-competes native crabs and lobsters. Specifically, the green crab disrupts eelgrass beds, often home to diverse fish populations. For aquaculture and fishing industries, C. maenas poses a particular threat due to its appetite for valuable farmed mollusks.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Elçiçek, H.; Parlak, A.; Cakmakci, M. (2013). "Effect of Ballast Water on Marine and Coastal Ecology". Journal of Selçuk University Natural and Applied Science. 1: 454–463. Retrieved 2019-02-07.
  2. doi:10.1021/acs.est.6b03108.s001. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help
    )
  3. ^ Pacific, Aquarium of the. "Comb Jelly (Sea Walnut)". www.aquariumofpacific.org. Retrieved 2019-02-07.
  4. ^ Tennessen, Tina. "5 Invasive Species You Should Know". ocean.si.edu. Retrieved 2019-02-07.
  5. ^ "Fisheries and Oceans Canada". www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Retrieved 2019-02-07.

Further reading

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