Identification of non-indigenous marine macroalgae from New Zealand aquaria outlets

Abstract

Most vector management and research on marine bioinvasions has focused on shipping-related pathways. More recently, less obvious mechanisms, such as the aquarium trade, have been recognised as important mechanisms for marine invasions, such as for the alga Caulerpa taxifolia. In this study, macroalgal specimens were collected from aquarium shops in Auckland and Nelson. Specimens were initially identified morphologically as C. taxifolia, C. racemoasa, Coelarthrum sp. and Cryptonemia sp. DNA sequencing corroborated the identification of the Caulerpa specimens. DNA sequencing also revealed that a specimen identified as Coelarthrum sp. by morphological features was in fact most probably Chamaebotrys sp. Because of the small number of Cryptonemia sequences in GenBank for comparison, only a tentative identification for this red alga could be made. Our findings of non-native macroalgae, including C. taxifolia, in aquarium shops in New Zealand show that even strict quarantine procedures cannot completely prevent the importation of non-indigenous species. Therefore, early detection, which begins with species identification, is essential to design effective control and eradication programmes.

Evaluating Detection Limits of Next-Generation Sequencing for the Surveillance and Monitoring of International Marine Pests

“…For example, New Zealand has a targeted surveillance programme for six marine pests and these are currently listed on the register of Unwanted Organisms under the Biosecurity Act 1993, including the European shore crab Carcinus maenas , Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis , Northern Pacific seastar Asterias amurensis , Mediterranean fanworm Sabella spallanzanii , Asian clam Corbula amurensis , and the marine aquarium weed Caulerpa taxifolia . Of these species, S. spallanzanii is already present in New Zealand [8] and C. taxifolia has been identified from aquariums on multiple occasions [9]. Surveys are conducted twice yearly at 12 high-risk locations throughout New Zealand using SCUBA-diving transects, shore searches, crab condos, starfish traps and benthic sleds [10].…”

Diversity of tropical macroalgae in the New Zealand marine aquarium trade

“…2013). Macroalgal diversity in New Zealand tropical marine aquaria has been understudied (Smith et. al.…”

“…can regenerate from small fragments and can be difficult to eradicate once established in aquaria (personal observations) and in natural ecosystems Smith and Walters 2002). A previously study has recorded the presence of a non-invasive strain of Caulerpa taxifolia and Caulerpa racemosa in the New Zealand Aquarium trade (Smith et. al.…”

“…Strict monitoring of marine aquarium livestock during quarantine and a longer quarantine period would be needed to detect the presence of exotic macroalgal hitchhikers. The outlawing of the sale of certain algal genera has been suggested (Smith et. al.…”