Small boats provide connectivity for nonindigenous marine species between a highly invaded international port and nearby coastal harbors

Abstract

Stemming from a recent freshwater invasives conference, Caffrey et al. (2014) identified 'the top 20 issues' that relate to invasive alien species (IAS) management in Europe. With a view to complement and balance the issues highlighted in their account, we offer six important additions that relate to the marine environment. These are: preventive measures, concerns of loss of taxonomic expertise and species identity, gaps in the knowledge of certain taxa and regions, inconsistencies of terminology, need for validation of data and the importance of concentrating on pathways, and their vectors, and levels of certainty associated with these routes.

Activities and vectors responsible for the biological pollution in the Taranto Seas (Mediterranean Sea, southern Italy): a review

“…These may have arrived with intraregional small craft-fishing boats, which travel between harbours and smaller embayments (Wasson et al 2001;Zabin et al 2014).…”

Risk Factors for Fouling Biomass: Evidence from Small Vessels in Australia

“…There is, however, growing recognition of the role of recreational vessels 39 as vectors of non indigenous species Clarke Murray et al, 2011;Minchin et al, 2006), and recent studies have revealed the significant risk of secondary introductions in stepping stone invasions (e.g. Burgin and Hardiman, 2011; in marine environments (Zabin et al, 2014). In Australia, most commercial and recre-ational vessels are not required to inspect their hulls for non indigenous species upon first entry in Australian waters or for travel domestically within Australia.…”

“…Studies of international and domestic recreational boats have demonstrated a range of fouling rates, with most surveys showing 84 that over 50% of vessels, and sometimes as high as 80%, having some level of fouling Lacoursière-Roussel et al, 2012b;Minchin et al, 2006;Zabin et al, 2014). The extent of fouling on any individual vessel, how-87 ever, is often highly variable, irrespective of sample sizes and methodology Brine et al, 2013;Clarke Murray et al, 2011;.…”

“…Previous studies have found fouling cover on boats can be up to ten times higher in 363 niche areas than on hulls where antifouling paint and boat cleaning are generally overlooked (Clarke Murray et al, 2011), and therefore may be important pathways for non indigenous species (Lacoursière-Roussel et al, 2012b;Zabin et al, 2014). Ashton et al,366 2014 also agree that the location of the sample is important, as they report the propeller shafts are frequently reported as having biofouling, yet the highest numbers of organisms were found on the keel.…”

“…Authorities could also introduce regulated antifouling paint regimes, e.g. every 12 months, regular inspections and providing cleaning facilities for recreational boat users 402 (Zabin et al, 2014). Many dry docks for recreational small vessels do not have the procedures and/or facilities to deal with the material removed from hull cleaning which is often released back into the ocean (Hewitt et al, 2007).…”