Aarhus Universitets segl

Global ecological impacts of marine exotic species

New publication by Andrea Anton, Nathan R. Geraldi, Catherine E. Lovelock, Eugenia T. Apostolaki, Scott Bennett, Just Cebrian, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Nuria Marbà, Paulina Martinetto, John M. Pandolfi, Julia Santana-Garcon & Carlos M. Duarte

Abstract:

Exotic species are a growing global ecological threat; however, their overall effects are insufficiently understood. While some exotic species are implicated in many species extinctions, others can provide benefits to the recipient communities. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to quantify and synthesize the ecological effects of 76 exotic marine species (about 6% of the listed exotics) on ten variables in marine communities. These species caused an overall significant, but modest in magnitude (as indicated by a mean effect size of g < 0.2), decrease in ecological variables. Marine primary producers and predators were the most disruptive trophic groups of the exotic species. Approximately 10% (that is, 2 out of 19) of the exotic species assessed in at least three independent studies had significant impacts on native species. Separating the innocuous from the disruptive exotic species provides a basis for triage efforts to control the marine exotic species that have the most impact, thereby helping to meet Aichi Biodiversity Target 9 of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-019-0851-0