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Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem...
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Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 20271

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Paraskevi K. Karachle

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Guest Editor
Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, 46-7 Km Athens Sounio Ave, P.O. Box 431, 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
Interests: marine invasive species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Elena Tricarico

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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy
Interests: behavioral ecology; biological invasions; conservation; aquatic ecosystems; crustaceans; applied ethology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giorgio Mancinelli

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Guest Editor
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies–DiSTeBA, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: community ecology; food web ecology; invasion ecology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu

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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
Interests: ecology and diversity of freshwater fishes; invasive fishes; fish conservation; databases; management of aquatic ecosystems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Alien species and especially invasive alien species (IAS) are collectively among the major drivers of change that can negatively affect biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services, and human health. Aquatic ecosystems suffer greatly from such invasions, with alien species being transported from one water body to another though a wide variety of pathways. Moreover, invasions of the aquatic realms are difficult to reverse, as eradication can be rarely conducted, especially in marine ecosystems or wider and complex inland water bodies. Even though biological invasions have been monitored and recorded, their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services have not been thoroughly addressed. The aim of the present Special Issue is to compile state-of-the art work that documents IAS impacts and provide tools for understanding, evaluating, and mitigating their effects on biota and aquatic services.

We are very pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue on “Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services”. All of us working in invasion ecology acknowledge the difficulties on having proof of their impacts on native biota and the precious services of the aquatic realms. Here, we focus on accumulating knowledge on the abovementioned hot issues in one dedicated volume of scientific publications.

We consider that this information is most valuable and still missing and will enhance our understanding of the effects of alien species on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and socio-economy. Moreover, such data will facilitate policy makers in applying targeted mitigation measures or implementing management actions when addressing the adverse impacts of invasive aquatic species.

Dr. Paraskevi K. Karachle
Dr. Elena Tricarico
Dr. Giorgio Mancinelli
Dr. Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • species
  • aquatic invasions
  • biodiversity
  • ecosystem services
  • conservation

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2051 KiB  
Article
Impacts, Potential Benefits and Eradication Feasibility of Aquatic Alien Species in an Integral Natural State Reserve
by Daniele Paganelli, Adriana Bellati, Andrea Gazzola, Francesco Bracco and Daniele Pellitteri-Rosa
Biology 2024, 13(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13010064 - 22 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1222
Abstract
Riverine wetlands are stepping-stone environments for the protection of local biodiversity, but they are particularly vulnerable to biological invasions. In order to take action against biological invasions, it is crucial to assess the impacts of alien species. However, it is also important to [...] Read more.
Riverine wetlands are stepping-stone environments for the protection of local biodiversity, but they are particularly vulnerable to biological invasions. In order to take action against biological invasions, it is crucial to assess the impacts of alien species. However, it is also important to assess the potential benefits on ecosystem services that alien species could have. Once it has been verified that negative impacts are higher than potential benefits, it is important to propose feasible actions to contrast them. In this study, we assessed eight freshwater alien species recorded in an integral protected wetland using the Invasive Species Effects Assessment Tool (INSEAT) to quantify their negative impacts and potential benefits on ecosystem services. Moreover, for each species, we evaluated the feasibility of the main eradication techniques currently proposed in the literature using the Non-Native Risk Management scheme (NNRM), with the final aim of suggesting effective actions for their management. The INSEAT results indicated that all the assessed species had more impacts than benefits while NNRM provided useful indications on the best practical conservation actions to use for reducing the density, and therefore, the negative impacts on ecosystem services and the local biodiversity of the assessed alien species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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22 pages, 6644 KiB  
Article
Isotopic Overlap of Invasive and Native Consumers in the Food Web of Lake Trasimeno (Central Italy)
by Davide Cicala, Maria Teresa Guerra, Roberta Bardelli, Cristina Di Muri, Alessandro Ludovisi, Salvatrice Vizzini and Giorgio Mancinelli
Biology 2023, 12(9), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12091270 - 21 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1089
Abstract
An advanced characterization of the trophic niche of non-indigenous species (NIS) may provide useful information on their ecological impact on invaded communities. Here, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to estimate pairwise niche overlaps between non-indigenous and native consumers in the winter [...] Read more.
An advanced characterization of the trophic niche of non-indigenous species (NIS) may provide useful information on their ecological impact on invaded communities. Here, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes to estimate pairwise niche overlaps between non-indigenous and native consumers in the winter food web of Lake Trasimeno (central Italy). Overall, a relatively low pairwise overlap of isotopic niches was observed between NIS and native species. The only exception was the Louisiana crayfish Procambarus clarkii, which showed a relatively high and diffuse overlap with other native invertebrates. Our findings highlighted a high niche divergence between non-indigenous and native species in Lake Trasimeno, suggesting a potentially low degree of interspecific competition that may facilitate coexistence and, in turn, limit the strength of impacts. The divergent results obtained for the Louisiana crayfish indicate that additional control measures for this invasive species are needed to mitigate its impact on the Lake Trasimeno system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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21 pages, 11980 KiB  
Article
Cumulative Negative Impacts of Invasive Alien Species on Marine Ecosystems of the Aegean Sea
by Konstantinos Tsirintanis, Maria Sini, Michail Ragkousis, Argyro Zenetos and Stelios Katsanevakis
Biology 2023, 12(7), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12070933 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1707
Abstract
Biological invasions are a human-induced environmental disturbance that can cause major changes in ecosystem structure and functioning. Located in the northeastern Mediterranean basin, the Aegean Sea is a hotspot of biological invasions. Although the presence of alien species in the Aegean has been [...] Read more.
Biological invasions are a human-induced environmental disturbance that can cause major changes in ecosystem structure and functioning. Located in the northeastern Mediterranean basin, the Aegean Sea is a hotspot of biological invasions. Although the presence of alien species in the Aegean has been studied and monitored, no assessment has been conducted on their cumulative impacts on native biodiversity. To address this gap, we applied the CIMPAL index, a framework developed for mapping the cumulative impacts of invasive species, to identify the most affected areas and habitat types and determine the most invasive species in the region. Coastal areas showed stronger impacts than the open sea. The highest CIMPAL scores were four times more frequent in the South than in the North Aegean. Shallow (0–60 m) hard substrates were the most heavily impacted habitat type, followed by shallow soft substrates and seagrass meadows. We identified Caulerpa cylindracea, Lophocladia lallemandii, Siganus luridus, Siganus rivulatus, and Womersleyella setacea as the most impactful species across their range of occurrence in the Aegean but rankings varied depending on the habitat type and impact indicator applied. Our assessment can support marine managers in prioritizing decisions and actions to control biological invasions and mitigate their impacts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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18 pages, 2989 KiB  
Article
Biological Invasions Affect Resource Processing in Aquatic Ecosystems: The Invasive Amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus Impacts Detritus Processing through High Abundance Rather than Differential Response to Temperature
by Benjamin Pile, Daniel Warren, Christopher Hassall, Lee E. Brown and Alison M. Dunn
Biology 2023, 12(6), 830; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12060830 - 7 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1371
Abstract
Anthropogenic stressors such as climate warming and invasive species and natural stressors such as parasites exert pressures that can interact to impact the function of ecosystems. This study investigated how these stressors interact to impact the vital ecosystem process of shredding by keystone [...] Read more.
Anthropogenic stressors such as climate warming and invasive species and natural stressors such as parasites exert pressures that can interact to impact the function of ecosystems. This study investigated how these stressors interact to impact the vital ecosystem process of shredding by keystone species in temperate freshwater ecosystems. We compared metabolic rates and rates of shredding at a range of temperatures up to extreme levels, from 5 °C to 30 °C, between invasive and native amphipods that were unparasitised or parasitised by a common acanthocephalan, Echinorhynchus truttae. Shredding results were compared using the relative impact potential (RIP) metric to investigate how they impacted the scale with a numerical response. Although per capita shredding was higher for the native amphipod at all temperatures, the higher abundance of the invader led to higher relative impact scores; hence, the replacement of the native by the invasive amphipod is predicted to drive an increase in shredding. This could be interpreted as a positive effect on the ecosystem function, leading to a faster accumulation of amphipod biomass and a greater rate of fine particulate organic matter (FPOM) provisioning for the ecosystem. However, the high density of invaders compared with natives may lead to the exhaustion of the resource in sites with relatively low leaf detritus levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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13 pages, 3169 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Invasive Alien Macrophyte Ludwigia hexapetala on Freshwater Ecosystems: Evidence from Field Data
by Emanuele Pelella, Beatrice Questino, Beatrice Luzi, Flaminia Mariani and Simona Ceschin
Biology 2023, 12(6), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12060794 - 31 May 2023
Viewed by 1906
Abstract
Biological invasions are a serious threat to biodiversity conservation, especially in freshwater ecosystems. The American macrophyte Ludwigia hexapetala, which colonizes both the aquatic and bank habitats of lakes, rivers, and canals, is invading many waterbodies in Europe, becoming an increasingly worrisome threat [...] Read more.
Biological invasions are a serious threat to biodiversity conservation, especially in freshwater ecosystems. The American macrophyte Ludwigia hexapetala, which colonizes both the aquatic and bank habitats of lakes, rivers, and canals, is invading many waterbodies in Europe, becoming an increasingly worrisome threat in several European countries, including Italy. However, only fragmentary information is available on the actual impact of its invasion in these habitats. This study aims to collect field data from various freshwater habitats in central and northern Italy, to assess the possible impact of L. hexapetala on the environmental parameters and plant biodiversity of the invaded habitats. The results show that in aquatic habitats, dense floating L. hexapetala populations reduce the light levels and oxygen available in the water, consequently limiting the growth of other aquatic plants. Indeed, L. hexapetala populations negatively affect aquatic plant diversity, as an increase in L. hexapetala cover corresponded to a decrease in Simpson’s diversity index. In contrast, in bank habitats, L. hexapetala has no significant impact on plant diversity. Evidence suggests that some native species, such as Phragmites australis, which generally form compact populations along the banks, effectively counteract the invasion of L. hexapetala. This information may prove valuable for the environmental managers of those freshwater habitats where L. hexapetala invasion needs to be addressed and controlled. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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15 pages, 2987 KiB  
Article
Notes on the Spreading of Penaeus aztecus Ives 1891 (Decapoda, Penaeidae) in the Mediterranean Sea and on Its Repeated Misidentifications in the Region
by Carlo Froglia and Martina Scanu
Biology 2023, 12(6), 793; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12060793 - 30 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1568
Abstract
The shrimp Penaeus aztecus, native to the western Atlantic, was first reported in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in 2010. New records, from different Mediterranean localities, multiplied in the following years. The accurate search of the literature on non-indigenous species discovered it was [...] Read more.
The shrimp Penaeus aztecus, native to the western Atlantic, was first reported in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in 2010. New records, from different Mediterranean localities, multiplied in the following years. The accurate search of the literature on non-indigenous species discovered it was misidentified more than once as another alien shrimp, P. semisulcatus, native to the Indo-Pacific region, with the result that its earlier presence in the Black Sea went unnoticed. Morphological characteristics allowing the identification of these two species, the autochthonous P. kerathurus and two other alien Penaeus species present in the Mediterranean, are reprised. The present distribution of P. aztecus based on literature records and surveys carried out in the northern and central Adriatic between 2016 and 2021 is mapped. The unintentional transport of larvae carried in ballast water by transoceanic vessels departing from the U.S. East Coast is suggested as the most probable introduction pathway. The significance of the correct identification of non-indigenous species, a “Descriptor” adopted in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive for determining the good environmental status of marine waters in the European States, is emphasized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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18 pages, 3837 KiB  
Article
Invasive Fish and Sea Urchins Drive the Status of Canopy Forming Macroalgae in the Eastern Mediterranean
by Athanasios Nikolaou, Konstantinos Tsirintanis, Gil Rilov and Stelios Katsanevakis
Biology 2023, 12(6), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12060763 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3115
Abstract
Canopy-forming macroalgae, such as Cystoseira sensu lato, increase the three-dimensional complexity and spatial heterogeneity of rocky reefs, enhancing biodiversity and productivity in coastal areas. Extensive loss of canopy algae has been recorded in recent decades throughout the Mediterranean Sea due to various [...] Read more.
Canopy-forming macroalgae, such as Cystoseira sensu lato, increase the three-dimensional complexity and spatial heterogeneity of rocky reefs, enhancing biodiversity and productivity in coastal areas. Extensive loss of canopy algae has been recorded in recent decades throughout the Mediterranean Sea due to various anthropogenic pressures. In this study, we assessed the biomass of fish assemblages, sea urchin density, and the vertical distribution of macroalgal communities in the Aegean and Levantine Seas. The herbivore fish biomass was significantly higher in the South Aegean and Levantine compared to the North Aegean. Very low sea urchin densities suggest local collapses in the South Aegean and the Levantine. In most sites in the South Aegean and the Levantine, the ecological status of macroalgal communities was low or very low at depths deeper than 2 m, with limited or no canopy algae. In many sites, canopy algae were restricted to a very narrow, shallow zone, where grazing pressure may be limited due to harsh hydrodynamic conditions. Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models, we demonstrated that the presence of canopy algae is negatively correlated with the biomass of the invasive Siganus spp. and sea urchins. The loss of Cystoseira s.l. forests is alarming, and urgent conservation actions are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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15 pages, 3631 KiB  
Article
Early Exotic Vegetation Development Is Affected by Vine Plants and Bird Activity at Rapidly Exposed Floodplains in South Korea
by Jae-Hoon Park, Ji-Won Park, Yoon-Seo Kim, Jung-Min Lee, Eui-Joo Kim, Bo-Yeon Jeon, Se-Hee Kim and Young-Han You
Biology 2023, 12(5), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12050696 - 9 May 2023
Viewed by 1318
Abstract
For the study on the relationships between the seed dispersal of exotic plants and bird population, flora, avifauna, vegetation patches, and the dynamics of seed banks were investigated in and around the exposed floodplains of the large rivers, and the causes of exotic [...] Read more.
For the study on the relationships between the seed dispersal of exotic plants and bird population, flora, avifauna, vegetation patches, and the dynamics of seed banks were investigated in and around the exposed floodplains of the large rivers, and the causes of exotic vegetation development were determined with respect to plant life form, bird population characteristics, and landscape using multivariate analysis. The number of dominant exotic plant species observed in exposed areas was higher than that observed in an abandoned field and paddy field undergoing secondary succession. Additionally, the area occupied by exotic vegetation in exposed areas increased with the increase in number of vine plants and small terrestrial birds, whereas the relationship between vine and runner plants was inversely proportional. Therefore, to control exotic plants in exposed floodplains surrounding large rivers, it is necessary to remove vines and shrubs along the waterfront where small resident birds carrying plant seeds live and to maintain and manage runner plant populations. Furthermore, implementing an ecological landscape management strategy, such as afforestation through the planting of trees, may also be effective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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17 pages, 11408 KiB  
Article
Can Biological Traits Serve as Predictors for Fishes’ Introductions, Establishment, and Interactions? The Mediterranean Sea as a Case Study
by Paraskevi K. Karachle, Anthi Oikonomou, Maria Pantazi, Konstantinos I. Stergiou and Argyro Zenetos
Biology 2022, 11(11), 1625; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11111625 - 7 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2325
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea (MED) is prone to species’ introductions, induced by human activities and/or climate change. Recent studies focus on the biological traits that result in such introductions, yet on a single-area-type approach. Here, we used, analyzed, and compared biological traits derived from [...] Read more.
The Mediterranean Sea (MED) is prone to species’ introductions, induced by human activities and/or climate change. Recent studies focus on the biological traits that result in such introductions, yet on a single-area-type approach. Here, we used, analyzed, and compared biological traits derived from FishBase for MED, non-indigenous (NIS) and neonative (NEO) in the Mediterranean, and adjacent Atlantic (ATL) and Red Sea (RS) species. A quantitative trait-based analysis was performed using random forest to determine the importance of traits in the successful establishment in the Mediterranean. MED fishes were mainly demersal, slow growing and small-medium sized, preferring intermediate temperatures. Conversely, ATL were mainly deep-dwelling species, preferring low temperatures. RS and NIS were predominantly reef-associated, thermophilus, and stenothermic. NEO species were stenothermic with preference to intermediate-high temperatures. Omnivores with preference to animals was the most common trophic group among regions. MED species exhibited higher phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50) compared to RS and NIS, indicating that they have long ancestral branches and few descendants. Preferred temperature, habitat type preference and maximum reported length (Lmax) and infinite length (Linf) were the most important predictors in the establishment process. Overall, the results presented here could serve as a baseline for future research, especially by using more refined and/or additional biological trail estimates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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15 pages, 2019 KiB  
Article
The Blue Swimming Crab Portunus segnis in the Mediterranean Sea: Invasion Paths, Impacts and Management Measures
by Luca Castriota, Manuela Falautano, Teresa Maggio and Patrizia Perzia
Biology 2022, 11(10), 1473; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11101473 - 8 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2577
Abstract
Invasive alien species represent one of the main environmental emergencies and are considered by the scientific community as being among the leading causes of biodiversity loss on a global scale. Therefore, detecting their pathways, hotspot areas and invasion trends becomes extremely important also [...] Read more.
Invasive alien species represent one of the main environmental emergencies and are considered by the scientific community as being among the leading causes of biodiversity loss on a global scale. Therefore, detecting their pathways, hotspot areas and invasion trends becomes extremely important also for management purposes. A systematic review on presence of Portunus segnis in the Suez Canal and Mediterranean Sea was carried out in order to study the invasion paths from its entry from the Red Sea into the Suez Canal (1886) until recently (2021) through ecological indicators elaborated with GIS spatial–temporal statistics. Arrival, establishment and expansion phases and areas of P. segnis in the Mediterranean were identified. Settlement areas were detected along the Suez Canal as well as in the Levantine Sea, western Ionian Sea and Tunisian plateau ecoregions. Since 2015 a persistent area has formed in Tunisia from where the species is spreading northward and eastward. The study provides an insight on the impact of P. segnis on biodiversity and ecosystem services and proposes a series of desirable management actions to mitigate the expansion of its population. Following the 8Rs model that introduces the rules to mitigate non–indigenous species pollution, six of them (Recognize, Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Remove, and Regulate) have been identified as applicable and are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Alien Invasions and Their Impact on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
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