Rapid assessment survey for exotic benthic species in the São Sebastião Channel, Brazil

Abstract

The study of biological invasions can be roughly divided into three parts: detection, monitoring, mitigation. Here, our objectives were to describe the marine fauna of the area of the port of São Sebastião (on the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, in the São Sebastião Channel, SSC) to detect introduced species. Descriptions of the faunal community of the SSC with respect to native and allochthonous (invasive or potentially so) diversity are lacking for all invertebrate groups. Sampling was carried out by specialists within each taxonomic group, in December 2009, following the protocol of the Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) in three areas with artificial structures as substrates. A total of 142 species were identified (61 native, 15 introduced, 62 cryptogenic, 4 not classified), of which 17 were Polychaeta (12, 1, 1, 3), 24 Ascidiacea (3, 6, 15, 0), 36 Bryozoa (17, 0, 18, 1), 27 Cnidaria (2, 1, 24, 0), 20 Crustacea (11, 4, 5, 0), 2 Entoprocta (native), 16 Mollusca (13, 3, 0, 0). Twelve species are new occurrences for the SSC. Among the introduced taxa, two are new for coastal Brazil. Estimates of introduced taxa are conservative as the results of molecular studies suggest that some species previously considered cryptogenic are indeed introduced. We emphasize that the large number of cryptogenic species illustrates the need for a long-term monitoring program, especially in areas most susceptible to bioinvasion. We conclude that rapid assessment studies, even in relatively wellknown regions, can be very useful for the detection of introduced species and we recommend that they be carried out on a larger scale in all ports with heavy ship traffic.

Cnidarian Alien Species in Expansion

“…This species is present in all oceans and seas around the world: [e.g. Australia (Huisman et al 2008;Sliwa et al 2009), South Africa (Mead et al 2011), Florida, USA (Karlson and Osman 2012), Palau (Marino et al 2007), Caribbean Sea (Calder and Kirkendale 2005), Brazil (Marques et al 2013), California, USA, Ecuador and Mexico (Fraser 1948)]. Its global distribution and high abundance in harbours and marinas make it a potential invader worldwide.…”

Effect of habitat topography on the structure and diversity of benthic communities across five marinas from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean

“…For both treatments, whenever necessary, the acetate was assessed to confirm the identity of the species in the pipette tips and acetate intersections. Finally, we classified the identified species regarding their invasive status as native, exotic or cryptogenic, according to the literature (Dias et al, 2013; Horton et al, 2020; Ignacio et al, 2010; Marques et al, 2013; Muricy & Hajdu, 2006; Oricchio et al, 2019).…”

“…Finally, we classified the identified species regarding their invasive status as native, exotic or cryptogenic, according to the literature (Dias et al, 2013;Horton et al, 2020;Ignacio et al, 2010;Marques et al, 2013;Muricy & Hajdu, 2006;Oricchio et al, 2019).…”

Bioinvasion of Benthic Invertebrates in a Eutrophicated Tropical Estuarine System in South America (Santos, Brazil)

“…The increase in shipping volumes and diversification of global trade networks have opened biogeographical boundaries, promoting the spread of non-indigenous species through transportation by ballast water or hull fouling and its associated species [1,2]. The negative impacts of bioinvasion on local ecosystems have been studied globally for decades [3][4][5][6][7][8], identifying non-indigenous species as a significant component of global change [9]. The detection of invasive species depends on monitoring and adequate knowledge of the native fauna, including genetic, taxonomic, biological, and ecological data.…”