Scientific collaboration for early detection of invaders results in a significant update on estimated range: lessons from Stenothoe georgiana Bynum & Fox 1977

Abstract

Detection of new non-indigenous species is often delayed when taxonomically challenging taxa are involved, such as small-sized marine organisms. The present study highlights the relevance of scientific cooperation in the early detection of the invader amphipod Stenothoe georgiana. Originally described from North Carolina (USA), the species was recently found in Chile and the Western Mediterranean. Here, we provide the first record of the species in Macaronesia, Atlantic coasts of continental Europe, North Africa and Australia, and extend its known distribution along the Mediterranean coast. Just like other small crustaceans, shipping (including recreational boating) and aquaculture are probably the main vectors of introduction and secondary spread for this amphipod species. This case of S. georgiana sheds light on the importance of promoting taxonomical knowledge, and building multidisciplinary expertise networks that ensure an effective spread of alien species information. We also encourage the implementation of standardized monitoring methodologies to facilitate early detection of small mobile invaders.

Diversity and patterns of marine non‐native species in the archipelagos of Macaronesia

“…Secondary spreads could also have played a key role in NNS dispersion in Macaronesia. According to some studies, the most recent introductions often result from secondary introductions (Chainho et al, 2015; Martínez‐Laiz et al, 2020; Souto et al, 2018). Finally, the distance to neighbouring continents and islands that initially affected native species colonization by dispersion (Domingues et al, 2008; Whittaker & Fernández‐Palacios, 2007) could also have affected NNS colonization as well.…”

“…When the models' prediction (grey colour) is not visible, the observed value (black colour) overlaps the predicted value. Predictions close to observed values might, therefore, not be visible result from secondary introductions (Chainho et al, 2015;Martínez-Laiz et al, 2020;Souto et al, 2018). Finally, the distance to neighbouring continents and islands that initially affected native species colonization by dispersion (Domingues et al, 2008;Whittaker & Fernández-Palacios, 2007) Carlton, 2017).…”

Disentangling the Taxonomic Status of Caprella penantis sensu stricto (Amphipoda: Caprellidae) Using an Integrative Approach

“…Morphological identification of amphipod species demands the examination of numerous characters, some of which are difficult to observe since they generally display a considerable amount of intraspecific variation (e.g., ontogenetic variation and sexual dimorphism) and are not always considered in taxonomic keys (primarily based on adult males) (e.g., [28,[30][31][32]). In addition, amphipods are often neglected or mistakenly identified due to their small size and the morphological uniformity among some closely related species [25,31,33,34]. Thus, an accurate morphological identification frequently requires experienced taxonomists, most of whom are nearing retirement, and who are becoming increasingly rare due to inadequate funding and the subsequent low recruitment of young scientists into this discipline [26,33,35].…”

“…In addition, amphipods are often neglected or mistakenly identified due to their small size and the morphological uniformity among some closely related species [25,31,33,34]. Thus, an accurate morphological identification frequently requires experienced taxonomists, most of whom are nearing retirement, and who are becoming increasingly rare due to inadequate funding and the subsequent low recruitment of young scientists into this discipline [26,33,35].…”

Biological Invasions in Marine Ecosystems: Amphipods (Crustacea: Amphipoda) as a Model Group

“…In the marine environment, the number of NIS has increased dramatically in the last decades [3] driven particularly by the intensification of shipping (both commercial and recreational), aquaculture activities, aquarium and life seafood trade, and the construction and formation of new transportation corridors [1,4] . Consequently, regulations and policies (e.g., the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the GloBallast Programme, the EU Biodiversity Strategy, the Invasive Alien Species Regulation (EC 1143/2014)) have been adopted to ensure the prevention and early detection of these species, which have been recognized as the only viable and cost-effective strategies for their control and management [5,6] .…”