Species introductions are among the most prevalent
of human activities affecting natural ecosystems. In the marine
environment, introductions, including most aquaculture initiatives,
have resulted in both positive and negative effects. The transport
of invasive species such as phytoplankton, is thought to stem from
range extensions associated with fluctuating oceanographic conditions
(e.g., El Niño), severe storm events (e.g., typhoons),
and human activities (e.g., ballast water). The impact
of transport processes on species distributional changes in North
Pacific waters is not fully understood. Relative to the terrestrial
environment, the study of introductions, and the potential for new
species to become invasive, is in its infancy in marine systems.
Emerging work includes introduction vectors, life history characteristics
of invasive species, ocean conditions responsible for invasions,
ecosystem resistance to invasion, and potential for eradication
or mitigation of introductions once established. This session will
seek to answer three fundamental questions: 1) What is known about
different transport mechanisms? 2) What is the magnitude of ecological
and economic effects arising from the transport of species? and
3) What steps can be taken to minimize real or potential effects
of existent and future invasive species?
Publications
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