DOCSLIB.ORG

Non-Indigenous Invertebrate Species in the Marine Fouling Communities of British Columbia, Canada

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Non-Indigenous Invertebrate Species in the Marine Fouling Communities of British Columbia, Canada BioInvasions Records (2016) Volume 5, Issue 4: 205–212 Open Access DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3391/bir.2016.5.4.03 © 2016 The Author(s). Journal compilation © 2016 REABIC Research Article Non-indigenous invertebrate species in the marine fouling communities of British Columbia, Canada Heidi N. Gartner1,*, Cathryn Clarke Murray2, Melissa A. Frey3, Jocelyn C. Nelson4, Kristen J. Larson5, Gregory M. Ruiz5 and Thomas W. Therriault6 1Royal British Columbia Museum, 675 Belleville St, Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 9W2, Canada 2North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES), P. O. Box 6000, Sidney, British Colubia, V8L 4B2, Canada 3Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA 4Department of Zoology and Biodiversity Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada 5Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, 647 Contees Wharf Rd, Edgewater, Maryland, 21037, USA 6Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Pacific Biological Station, 3190 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, V9T 6N7, Canada E-mail addresses: [email protected] (HNG), [email protected] (CCM), [email protected] (MAF), [email protected] (JCN), [email protected] (KJL), [email protected] (GMR), [email protected] (TWT) *Corresponding author Received: 19 May 2016 / Accepted: 30 August 2016 / Published online: 16 September 2016 Handling editor: John Mark Hanson Abstract Marine fouling communities on artificial structures are invasion hotspots for non-indigenous species (NIS). Yet, little is known about NIS in fouling communities of British Columbia (BC), Canada. To determine NIS identity and richness in BC fouling communities, we deployed settlement plates at 108 sites along the coast of BC between 2006 and 2012. Of the 295 invertebrate taxa identified to species, 20 were NIS while an additional 14 were cryptogenic, including several global invaders. This study documents the range expansion of tunicates Botrylloides violaceus Oka, 1927 and Botryllus schlosseri (Pallas, 1766), including the first known records on Haida Gwaii. NIS were detected within each of the six distinct geographic regions with the southern, more populated regions of BC (Straits of Georgia and Juan De Fuca) having the highest NIS richness and frequency of occurrence compared to the less populated northern regions. This study provides a contemporary baseline of invertebrate NIS identity and richness in fouling communities that will allow comparisons through time and a means to focus research and prioritize management efforts. Key words: non-native species, introduced species, invasion, Northeast Pacific, West Coast, North America, biofouling Introduction Zabin et al. 2014). The artificial structures (e.g. docks and pilings) in close proximity to these Globally, there is growing concern regarding the vectors serve as invasion hotspots (Ruiz et al. 2009). ecological and economic impacts of non-indigenous Monitoring fouling communities on these structures species (NIS) (Pimentel et al. 2000; Grosholz 2002; can be valuable for detecting new introductions to an Pimentel et al. 2005). Aquatic species are being area, determining temporal and spatial invasion transported from their native ranges to new areas, patterns, and informing management and policy mediated by a variety of anthropogenic vectors such decisions, including those that aim to mitigate the as aquaculture (Naylor et al. 2001), ballast water ecological and economic impacts of NIS. (Ruiz et al. 1997; Simkanin et al. 2009), and the In British Columbia (BC) Canada, little is known fouling of ship hulls and sea-chests (Coutts and about NIS identity and richness in these fouling Dodgshun 2007; Drake and Lodge 2007). Further, communities. There have been more than 120 non- secondary spread by additional vectors such as indigenous and cryptogenic species documented in recreational boats is contributing to observed invasion the marine and estuarine waters of BC (Levings et patterns at regional scales (Clarke Murray et al. 2011; al. 2002; Gillespie 2007; Lu et al. 2007). However, to 205 H.N. Gartner et al. Figure 1. Site locations (circles) of fouling communities sampled along the coast of British Columbia, Canada between 2006 and 2012. The six regions of the coast sampled are the Strait of Juan de Fuca (n=10), Strait of Georgia (n=28), West Coast of Vancouver Island (n=20), Johnstone Strait (n=23), Haida Gwaii (n=8), and North Coast (n=19). For details see supplementary material Table S1. date, these studies either have primarily focused on Georgia, had settlement plates continuously immersed intertidal environments (Gillespie 2007) or have from the spring of 2006 through the spring of 2007, been geographically limited to areas such as ports with sets retrieved every four months. In 2007 and (Richoux et al. 2006; Lu et al. 2007). There have 2011, settlement plates were deployed along the BC been no comprehensive studies of fouling communi- coast (at 81 and 24 sites, respectively) with the ties of the BC coast, including remote and seemingly settlement plates installed in the spring or early pristine locations. This study aims to provide an summer and retrieved the subsequent fall. In inventory of invertebrate NIS identity and richness addition, ports in Vancouver (4 sites; 2008–2012), of fouling communities along the BC coast. Victoria (6 sites; 2009–2012) and Prince Rupert (1 site; 2011) were monitored with settlement plates Methods installed in the spring or early summer and retrieved the subsequent fall. All plates installed in the spring Study area or early summer and retrieved the subsequent fall typically had 3 to 6 months for species recruitment The BC coastline spans more than 27,000 km along and community development. a complex of inlets, straits, passes, sounds, and narrows. There are six geographic regions where differences Settlement structures in oceanographic and physical features can influence the community composition of invertebrate fouling To characterize invertebrate fouling communities in communities (Thomson 1981; Zacharias and Roff BC, we deployed multiple settlement plates from 2001; Gillespie 2007). Between 2006 and 2012, we floating structures that were located primarily in sampled 108 sites within all six regions of the province: harbours and embayments. We used two settlement Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Georgia, West Coast plate designs over the course of this study: 1) a plastic of Vancouver Island, Johnstone Strait, Haida Gwaii, circular base (30 cm diameter), with four plastic, and the North Coast (Figure 1; supplementary material circular Petri dishes (9 cm diameter) attached to Table S1). Eight sites, primarily in the Strait of each base, or 2) a single polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 206 Non-indigenous species in BC fouling communities square plate (14.5 × 14.5 cm). Each circular design 1935; Botrylloides violaceus Oka, 1927; and had two levels, with the first base suspended 15 cm Botryllus schlosseri (Pallas, 1766) (Table 1). Both S. below the surface and the second base 1 m below the japonica and C. mutica were present in all geographic first. Each PVC design had only one level that was regions, and were found at 42 (38.9%) and 34 (31.5%) suspended 1 m below the surface. In 2010, both plate sites, respectively. B. violaceus and B. schlosseri designs were deployed together at six sites (n = 97) were present in all geographic regions except the with no significant difference in species richness NC, and were found at 36 (33.3%) and 24 (22.2%) detected between the circular (mean = 12.49, SD = sites, respectively. 7.25) and square plate (mean = 11.38, SD = 7.83) design (t-test, t = 0.70, df = 95, p = 0.49). Cryptogenic species We detected cryptogenic species at 80 sites (74.1%) Sample processing and within each of the geographic regions of the Upon collection, the fouling community on each province (Table 1, Figure 3). Haida Gwaii had the settlement plate was immediately preserved in either highest proportion of sites with cryptogenic species formalin (10%) or ethanol (70%). In the laboratory, (87.5%), though this represents a wide distribution we sorted and identified all invertebrates larger than by a low number (n = 3) of cryptogenic species. The 1 mm to the lowest taxonomic level possible. Algae West Coast of Vancouver Island had the lowest occasionally grew in low abundance, mainly on the (60.0 %) proportion of sites with cryptogenic species. edges and top of the plates, but were not identified The most common cryptogenic species were: due to inappropriate preservation and lack of available Celleporella hyalina (Linnaeus, 1767); Obelia expertise. All invertebrate taxa were categorized as dichotoma (Linnaeus, 1758); Alcyonidium polyoum “NIS” (not native to the region), “cryptogenic” (Hassall, 1841); and Amathia gracili (Leidy, 1855) (unknown origin), “native” (native to the region) or (Table 1). Both C. hyalina and O. dichotoma were “unknown” (including taxa identified to genus or present in all geographic regions, and were found at higher, and those whose origin remains unclear). 54 (50.0%) and 49 (45.4%) sites, respectively. In Identification and status were determined using addition, A. polyoum, and A. gracilis were present in taxonomic descriptions and keys and correspondence all geographic regions except for Haida Gwaii, and with global experts (see Acknowledgements). We were present at 35 (32.4%) and 28 (25.9%) sites, listed taxa according to the World Register of respectively. It is important to
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Characterising Biofouling Communities on Mussel Farms Along an Environmental Gradient: a Step Towards Improved Risk Management
    Vol. 8: 15–30, 2015 AQUACULTURE ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS Published online December 14 doi: 10.3354/aei00159 Aquacult Environ Interact OPENPEN ACCESSCCESS Characterising biofouling communities on mussel farms along an environmental gradient: a step towards improved risk management A. M. Watts1,2,3,*, S. J. Goldstien1, G. A. Hopkins2 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand 2Coastal and Freshwater Group, Cawthron Institute, Nelson 7010, New Zealand 3Present address: National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA), 217 Akersten Street, Port Nelson, Nelson 7010, New Zealand ABSTRACT: Biofouling pests can have significant economic impacts on aquaculture operations, including increased processing and production costs. An important first step towards improved biofouling management is understanding the density and distribution of the biofouling species within a growing region. In this study, biofouling communities were sampled from 73 commercial mussel farms within New Zealand’s main mussel growing region, Pelorus Sound. At each farm, photoquadrats (0.08 m2, n = 6) of biofouling organisms were obtained at 2 depth ranges (3 per range) from suspended long-line droppers, both at the surface (0 to 3 m of the dropper) and bottom (9 to 24 m, depending on dropper length and water depth). Biomass samples and visual estimates of biofouling biomass were also obtained. Strong spatial variation in the structure of biofouling communities was evident, with increasing dissimilarity between communities along Pelorus Sound. Problematic taxa (e.g. the brown alga Undaria pinnatifida and calcareous tubeworm Pomatoceros sp.) were dominant near the entrance to the Sound, where annual temperature cycles are often reduced and salinity concentrations are higher.
    [Show full text]
  • Anthropogenic Effects on the Fouling Community: Impacts of Biological Invasions and Anthropogenic Structures on Community Structure
    Portland State University PDXScholar Dissertations and Theses Dissertations and Theses Summer 8-10-2017 Anthropogenic Effects on the Fouling Community: Impacts of Biological Invasions and Anthropogenic Structures on Community Structure Whitney Elizabeth McClees Portland State University Follow this and additional works at: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons, and the Marine Biology Commons Let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation McClees, Whitney Elizabeth, "Anthropogenic Effects on the Fouling Community: Impacts of Biological Invasions and Anthropogenic Structures on Community Structure" (2017). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 3883. https://doi.org/10.15760/etd.5771 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of PDXScholar. Please contact us if we can make this document more accessible: [email protected]. Anthropogenic Effects on the Fouling Community: Impacts of Biological Invasions and Anthropogenic Structures on Community Structure by Whitney Elizabeth McClees A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Science and Management Thesis Committee: Catherine de Rivera, Chair Sarah Eppley Gregory Ruiz Portland State University 2017 © 2017 Whitney Elizabeth McClees Abstract Coastal anthropogenic infrastructure has significantly modified nearshore environments. Because these structures often have a strong association with shipping as would be found in ports and harbors, they have been identified as invasion hotspots. Due to propagule pressure from shipping and recreational boating and suitable uncolonized substrate that provides a refuge from native predators, a greater number of non-native species have been found on these structures compared to nearby natural substrate.
    [Show full text]
  • First Occurrence of Caprella Scaura Templeton, 1836 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) on Off-Coast fish Farm Cages in the Mediterranean Sea
    Helgol Mar Res (2014) 68:187–191 DOI 10.1007/s10152-013-0375-y SHORT COMMUNICATION First occurrence of Caprella scaura Templeton, 1836 (Crustacea: Amphipoda) on off-coast fish farm cages in the Mediterranean Sea V. Fernandez-Gonzalez • P. Sanchez-Jerez Received: 8 July 2013 / Revised: 29 October 2013 / Accepted: 30 October 2013 / Published online: 16 November 2013 Ó Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg and AWI 2013 Abstract The non-indigenous caprellid Caprella scaura the world. The first Mediterranean occurrence was recor- Templeton, 1836, native to the western Indian Ocean, ded from Venice Lagoon (Italy) in 1994 (Mizzan 1999), was firstly recorded in the Mediterranean Sea in 1994, and C. scaura has been subsequently reported from several and all Mediterranean populations discovered to date are localities along the coasts of Italy, Greece, Spain, Tunisia, related to shoreline areas. A total of ten fish farms were Turkey, France and Morocco (Krapp et al. 2006; Martı´nez sampled off the coasts of Spain (4), Italy (1), Croatia (2), and Adarraga 2008; Souissi et al. 2010; Bakir and Katagan Greece (1) and Malta (2). This is the first time that 2011; Ros et al. in press). Two possible pathways of C. scaura has been reported from off-coast areas. introduction have been proposed for this species: (1) from Reproducing populations have been detected in fouling the native Indian–Pacific through the Suez Canal and (2) communities of three tuna farms off the coast of Croatia from the Caribbean through the Strait of Gibraltar (Guerra- and Malta, which also signifies the first confirmed record Garcı´a et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Monitoring of Biofouling Communities in a Portuguese Port Using a Combined Morphological and Metabarcoding Approach Joana Azevedo 1,2,3, Jorge T
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Monitoring of biofouling communities in a Portuguese port using a combined morphological and metabarcoding approach Joana Azevedo 1,2,3, Jorge T. Antunes1,2,3, André M. Machado 1, Vitor Vasconcelos1,2, Pedro N. Leão 1* & Elsa Froufe 1* Marine biofouling remains an unsolved problem with a serious economic impact on several marine associated industries and constitutes a major vector for the spread of non-indigenous species (NIS). The implementation of biofouling monitoring programs allows for better fouling management and also for the early identifcation of NIS. However, few monitoring studies have used recent methods, such as metabarcoding, that can signifcantly enhance the detection of those species. Here, we employed monthly monitoring of biofouling growth on stainless steel plates in the Atlantic Port of Leixões (Northern Portugal), over one year to test the efect of commercial anti-corrosion paint in the communities. Fouling organisms were identifed by combining morpho-taxonomy identifcation with community DNA metabarcoding using multiple markers (16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, 23S rRNA, and COI genes). The dominant colonizers found at this location were hard foulers, namely barnacles and mussels, while other groups of organisms such as cnidarians, bryozoans, and ascidians were also abundant. Regarding the temporal dynamics of the fouling communities, there was a progressive increase in the colonization of cyanobacteria, green algae, and red algae during the sampled period with the replacement of less abundant groups. The tested anticorrosion paint demonstrated to have a signifcant prevention efect against the biofouling community resulting in a biomass reduction. Our study also reports, for the frst time, 29 NIS in this port, substantiating the need for the implementation of recurring biofouling monitoring programs in ports and harbours.
    [Show full text]
  • Predator Effects on Fouling Community Development
    MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Vol. 337: 93–101, 2007 Published May 14 Mar Ecol Prog Ser Predator effects on fouling community development Marie Nydam1, 2,*, John J. Stachowicz1 1Section of Evolution and Ecology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA 2Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Corson Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA ABSTRACT: Predation by small consumers has a demonstrable effect on the recruitment and devel- opment of sessile invertebrate (fouling) communities. However, few data are available to assess the degree to which different micropredators are functionally equivalent, and whether initial effects on recruitment translate into lasting effects on adult communities. In the present study, we used field surveys and manipulative experiments to examine the effect of 2 molluscan predators on both the recruitment of sessile invertebrates and the ultimate community development under continuous pre- dation pressure for 12 mo. The mossy chiton Mopalia muscosa dramatically reduced recruits of some species and increased those of others, but ultimately total adult cover of all species was reduced by over half relative to predator-free controls. The file limpet Lottia limatula had minimal effects on recruitment, slightly reducing recruitment of some colonial ascidians. However, limpets had no effect on the total cover of invertebrates, instead altering species composition by slightly delaying overall successional trajectories. Field surveys suggested that both predators have measurable effects on community cover, as the abundance of each predator was positively correlated with an increase in free space. Plots with both chitons and limpets had nearly 4 times the open space of no-predator plots, and 2 times the open space of plots with limpets only.
    [Show full text]
  • Marine Ecology Progress Series 421:139
    Vol. 421: 139–149, 2011 MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Published January 17 doi: 10.3354/meps08838 Mar Ecol Prog Ser OPENPEN ACCESSCCESS Role of the sea anemone Metridium senile in structuring a developing subtidal fouling community Matthew L. Nelson, Sean F. Craig* Department of Biology, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst St. Arcata, California 95521, USA ABSTRACT: In a variety of ecological settings, individual species have been shown to possess the ability to influence the structure and development of the community at large. However, within foul- ing communities, the influences of many sessile invertebrate species and how they drive patterns of succession remain relatively unexplored. The sea anemone Metridium senile is ubiquitous in cold temperate fouling communities, but its role within these communities has largely been overlooked. Natural fouling communities that had formed on plastic experimental panels were ‘gardened’ to form treatments containing only M. senile, compound ascidians, or erect bryozoans. These panels were deployed under floating docks and were surveyed photographically over 4 mo. M. senile maintained more free space through time within its experimental treatment community than did organisms con- tained within the other 2 (ascidian or bryozoan) treatments. Subsequent short-term field experiments on recruitment concluded that the presence of M. senile in fact enhances recruitment rates among fouling organisms (relative to controls), ruling out larval predation and larval avoidance as a cause for observed long-term patterns. However, when M. senile were placed upon panels containing natural recruitment in laboratory tanks, it was shown that the anemone ‘smothers’ the majority of these new recruits by sliding over them with its pedal disk, killing all other potential space occupiers and thereby generating increased free space.
    [Show full text]
  • Caprellid Amphipods (Caprella Spp.) Are Vulnerable to Both Physiological and Habitat-Mediated Effects of Ocean Acidification
    Caprellid amphipods (Caprella spp.) are vulnerable to both physiological and habitat-mediated effects of ocean acidification Emily G. Lim1 and Christopher D.G. Harley1,2 1 Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada 2 Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada ABSTRACT Ocean acidification (OA) is one of the most significant threats to marine life, and is predicted to drive important changes in marine communities. Although OA impacts will be the sum of direct effects mediated by alterations of physiological rates and indirect effects mediated by shifts in species interactions and biogenic habitat provision, direct and indirect effects are rarely considered together for any given species. Here, we assess the potential direct and indirect effects of OA on a ubiquitous group of crustaceans: caprellid amphipods (Caprella laeviuscula and Caprella mutica). Direct physiological effects were assessed by measuring caprellid heart rate in response to acidification in the laboratory. Indirect effects were explored by quantifying caprellid habitat dependence on the hydroid Obelia dichotoma, which has been shown to be less abundant under experimental acidification. We found that OA resulted in elevated caprellid heart rates, suggestive of increased metabolic demand. We also found a strong, positive association between caprellid population size and the availability of OA-vulnerable O. dichotoma, suggesting that future losses of biogenic habitat may be an important indirect effect of OA on caprellids. For species such as caprellid amphipods, which have strong associations with biogenic habitat, a consideration of only direct or Submitted 19 March 2018 indirect effects could potentially misestimate the full impact of ocean acidification.
    [Show full text]
  • Succession in a Humboldt Bay Marine Fouling
    uccession in a Humboldt Bay Marine Fouling SCommunity: The Role of Exotic Species, Larval Settlement and Winter Storms Michael Boyle1, Dean Janiak2 and Sean Craig3 Image credits (Above) PEER, UC Berkeley; (pp. 222 and 230) ©2006 California Academy of Science; p. XXX Sean Craig. 1Kewalo Marine Laboratory, University of Hawaii, 41 Ahui Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. 2Department of Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340. 3Department of Biological Science, Humboldt State University, 1 Harpst Street, Arcata California 95521. Proceedings of the 2004 Humboldt Bay Symposium … 215 Abstract The initiation and pattern of succession in a marine “fouling” community was observed on a set of 20 black plastic panels suspended horizontally underneath the docks at Woodley Island Marina, Humboldt Bay, California from August 2001 to May 2003. The role of recruitment in the develop- ment of this community was examined using a second set of 20 panels which were scraped clean each month to allow new larvae to settle. Each month, both “undisturbed” and “settlement” panels were digitally photographed, and the percent cover of all species occupying at least 2% cover on each photo was recorded. Approximately 54 species of motile and sessile organisms were identified from these photos, of which roughly 35% were exotic species. The “undisturbed” fouling community was characterized by seasonal pulses of fast-growing, short-lived species (e.g., colonial tunicates) combined with the persistent accumulation of longer- lived, slower-growing species (e.g., mussels, sponges and tubiculous amphipods). The initial phases of development were dominated by colonial and solitary ascidians, bryozoans and hydroids, almost all of which were introduced to Humboldt Bay.
    [Show full text]
  • Rapid Assessment Survey of Marine Species at New England Bays and Harbors
    Report on the 2013 Rapid Assessment Survey of Marine Species at New England Bays and Harbors June 2014 CREDITS AUTHORED BY: Christopher D. Wells, Adrienne L. Pappal, Yuangyu Cao, James T. Carlton, Zara Currimjee, Jennifer A. Dijkstra, Sara K. Edquist, Adriaan Gittenberger, Seth Goodnight, Sara P. Grady, Lindsay A. Green, Larry G. Harris, Leslie H. Harris, Niels-Viggo Hobbs, Gretchen Lambert, Antonio Marques, Arthur C. Mathieson, Megan I. McCuller, Kristin Osborne, Judith A. Pederson, Macarena Ros, Jan P. Smith, Lauren M. Stefaniak, and Alexandra Stevens This report is a publication of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Management (CZM) pursuant to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This publication is funded (in part) by a grant/cooperative agreement to CZM through NOAA NA13NOS4190040 and a grant to MIT Sea Grant through NOAA NA10OAR4170086. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or any of its sub-agencies. This project has been financed, in part, by CZM; Massachusetts Bays Program; Casco Bay Estuary Partnership; Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership; the Rhode Island Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds Coordination Team; and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sea Grant College Program. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Deval L. Patrick, Governor Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Maeve Vallely Bartlett, Secretary Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management Bruce K. Carlisle, Director Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800 Boston, MA 02114-2136 (617) 626-1200 CZM Information Line: (617) 626-1212 CZM Website: www.mass.gov/czm PHOTOS: Adriaan Gittenberger, Gretchen Lambert, Linsey Haram, and Hans Hillewaert ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The New England Rapid Assessment Survey was a collaborative effort of many individuals.
    [Show full text]
  • Bryozoan Fouling of the Blue Crab Callinectes Sapidus at Beaufort, North Carolina
    BULLETIN OF ~ARINE SCIENCE, 64(3): 513-533, 1999 BRYOZOAN FOULING OF THE BLUE CRAB CALLINECTES SAPIDUS AT BEAUFORT, NORTH CAROLINA Marcus M. Key, Jr., Judith E. Winston, Jared W. Volpe, William B. Jeffries and Harold K. Voris ABSTRACT This study examines the prevalence, intensity, abundance, and spatial distribution of fouling bryozoans on 168 blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, taken from an estuarine environment in the area of Beaufort, North Carolina. Three epizoic bryozoan species were found on the host crabs. These include Alcyonidium albescens Winston and Key, Membranipora arborescens (Canu ·and Bassler), and Triticella elongata (Osburn). The proportion of blue crabs fouled was 16%. Results indicate female crabs were significantly more fouled than males. This suggests that the prevalence and intensity of bryozoans are dominantly controlled by the migratory habits of the host, since female crabs spend more time in deeper waters of higher salinity where they are more likely to be fouled by bryozoan larvae. The ventral surface was significantly more fouled than the dorsal. The A. albescens colonies were significantly more abundant on the hosts' lateral spines, M. arborescens dominated the subhepatic sector, and T. elongata was most common around the mouth. The costs and benefits of epibiosis are reviewed. The bryozoan/blue crab relationship described here appears to be phoretic. This means there is minimal negative impact on the crab, the relationship is more beneficial to the bryozoans, and there is no special symbiotic relationship between the crab and the bryo­ zoan. Biofouling of surfaces found in marine environments is a common phenome­ non. Those that foul ships and pipes are a problem as a result of the increased operating costs resulting from drag and increased corrosion, costs to prevent foul­ ing, and costs to remove epizoans (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1952).
    [Show full text]
  • The Effect of CO2 Concentrations on Blue Mussel (Mytilus Edulis) Behaviour, Health, Mortality and Detachment Rates: a New Potential Way of Anti-Fouling
    The effect of CO2 concentrations on blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) behaviour, health, mortality and detachment rates: a new potential way of anti-fouling Name Kees te Velde Student nr. 930428862090 Supervisors Celia (Yuzhu) Wei, Edwin Foekema & Tinka Murk Chair group Marine Animal Ecology Date 16-12-2018 mussel displacement was recorded in order to Abstract determine movement activity. In a second Fouling organisms on ship’s hulls increase experimental study, M. edulis was exposed to hydrodynamic drag of the vessel and decrease several degrees of CO2 induced acidified water speed and fuel efficiency which has large conditions at pH 6.2, 6.8, 7.2, 7.6 and 8 economic impacts for shipping companies. The (control) for 21 days. Mortalities were recorded GasDrive project is developing an innovative throughout the experiment and a novel ship, with a more than 50% reduced fuel experimental setup was designed to determine demand compared to traditional ships. The detachment velocities. Mussel health was assessed through the following factors: Shell exhaust, mainly consisting of water and CO2, will be released under the ship’s hull. A great strength, growth rates, reaction time (the time deal of research has been conducted of the it takes a mussel to close its shell in response to a disturbance) and feeding rates. negative effects of future CO2 levels on calcifying organisms due to anthropogenic CO2 induced acidification to pH 6.2 resulted in a carbon emission. However, a locally elevated 35% reduction in M. edulis shell strength and a CO2 concentration has never been suggested as 5 fold increase in reaction time.
    [Show full text]
  • Investigation of Marine Biofouling and the Possible Need to Develop Biofouling Control Measures in Nigeria
    World Maritime University The Maritime Commons: Digital Repository of the World Maritime University World Maritime University Dissertations Dissertations 11-4-2018 Investigation of marine biofouling and the possible need to develop biofouling control measures in Nigeria Naandem Rita Njin Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.wmu.se/all_dissertations Part of the Environmental Policy Commons Recommended Citation Njin, Naandem Rita, "Investigation of marine biofouling and the possible need to develop biofouling control measures in Nigeria" (2018). World Maritime University Dissertations. 639. https://commons.wmu.se/all_dissertations/639 This Dissertation is brought to you courtesy of Maritime Commons. Open Access items may be downloaded for non-commercial, fair use academic purposes. No items may be hosted on another server or web site without express written permission from the World Maritime University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY Malmö, Sweden INVESTIGATION OF MARINE BIOFOULING AND THE POSSIBLE NEED TO DEVELOP BIOFOULING CONTROL MEASURES IN NIGERIA By NJIN, RITA NAANDEM Nigeria A dissertation submitted to the World Maritime University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In MARITIME AFFAIRS (MARITIME SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADMINISTRATION) 2018 Copyright © Njin Rita Naandem, 2018 DECLARATION I certify that all the material in this dissertation that is not my own work has been identified, and that no material is included for which a degree has previously been conferred on me. The contents of this dissertation reflect my own personal views, and are not necessarily endorsed by the University. (Signature): …………………………. 18th September, 2018 (Date): ………………………….
    [Show full text]