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Fisher MC, Grason EW, Stote A, Kelly RP, Litle K, McDonald PS. Invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) predation in a Washington State estuary revealed with DNA metabarcoding. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302518. [PMID: 38820525 PMCID: PMC11142710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Predation by invasive species can threaten local ecosystems and economies. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas), one of the most widespread marine invasive species, is an effective predator associated with clam and crab population declines outside of its native range. In the U.S. Pacific Northwest, green crab has recently increased in abundance and expanded its distribution, generating concern for estuarine ecosystems and associated aquaculture production. However, regionally-specific information on the trophic impacts of invasive green crab is very limited. We compared the stomach contents of green crabs collected on clam aquaculture beds versus intertidal sloughs in Willapa Bay, Washington, to provide the first in-depth description of European green crab diet at a particularly crucial time for regional management. We first identified putative prey items using DNA metabarcoding of stomach content samples. We compared diet composition across sites using prey presence/absence and an index of species-specific relative abundance. For eight prey species, we also calibrated metabarcoding data to quantitatively compare DNA abundance between prey taxa, and to describe an 'average' green crab diet at an intertidal slough versus a clam aquaculture bed. From the stomach contents of 61 green crabs, we identified 54 unique taxa belonging to nine phyla. The stomach contents of crabs collected from clam aquaculture beds were significantly different from the stomach contents of crabs collected at intertidal sloughs. Across all sites, arthropods were the most frequently detected prey, with the native hairy shore crab (Hemigrapsus oregonensis) the single most common prey item. Of the eight species calibrated with a quantitative model, two ecologically-important native species-the sand shrimp (Crangon franciscorum) and the Pacific staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus)-had the highest average DNA abundance when detected in a stomach content sample. In addition to providing timely information on green crab diet, our research demonstrates the novel application of a recently developed model for more quantitative DNA metabarcoding. This represents another step in the ongoing evolution of DNA-based diet analysis towards producing the quantitative data necessary for modeling invasive species impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C. Fisher
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Emily W. Grason
- Washington Sea Grant, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Alex Stote
- Washington Sea Grant, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ryan P. Kelly
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kate Litle
- Washington Sea Grant, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - P. Sean McDonald
- Program on the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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2
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Xia M, Li X, Chou T. Overcompensation of transient and permanent death rate increases in age-structured models with cannibalistic interactions. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2303.00864v2. [PMID: 36911278 PMCID: PMC10002760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
There has been renewed interest in understanding the mathematical structure of ecological population models that lead to overcompensation, the process by which a population recovers to a higher level after suffering a permanent increase in predation or harvesting. Here, we apply a recently formulated kinetic population theory to formally construct an age-structured single-species population model that includes a cannibalistic interaction in which older individuals prey on younger ones. Depending on the age-dependent structure of this interaction, our model can exhibit transient or steady-state overcompensation of an increased death rate as well as oscillations of the total population, both phenomena that have been observed in ecological systems. Analytic and numerical analysis of our model reveals sufficient conditions for overcompensation and oscillations. We also show how our structured population partial integrodifferential equation (PIDE) model can be reduced to coupled ODE models representing piecewise constant parameter domains, providing additional mathematical insight into the emergence of overcompensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtao Xia
- Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, New York, 10012-1185, New York, USA
| | - Xiangting Li
- Department of Computational Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, 90095-1766, CA, USA
| | - Tom Chou
- Department of Computational Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, 90095-1766, CA, USA
- Department of Mathematics, UCLA, Los Angeles, 90095-1555, CA, USA
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Kvistad JT, Galarowicz TL, Clapp DF, Chadderton WL, Tucker AJ, Annis G, Herbert M. Evidence of a compensatory response in invasive Rusty Crayfish ( Faxonius rusticus) following intensive harvest removal from northern Lake Michigan fish spawning reefs. Biol Invasions 2023; 25:1-17. [PMID: 37362907 PMCID: PMC10166462 DOI: 10.1007/s10530-023-03076-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The goal of most invasive species suppression programs is to achieve long-term sustained reductions in population abundance, yet removal programs can be stymied by density-dependent population responses. We tested a harvest removal strategy for invasive Rusty Crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) at two nearshore native fish spawning habitats in northern Lake Michigan. Changes in average Rusty Crayfish densities were evaluated with a before-after reference-impact study design. We removed 3182 Rusty Crayfish, primarily adults (> 20 mm carapace length), at two sites over two harvest seasons, expending 17,825 trap days in effort. Generalized linear modeling results suggested a statistically significant reduction in Rusty Crayfish densities was achieved at one reef, Little Traverse Bay (LTB Crib). Reduced densities were sustained over the egg maturation period for native fish and into the following year after removal ceased. By late summer/early fall, between consecutive suppression efforts in 2018 and 2019, we observed a threefold increase in pre-removal densities. Size-frequency histograms from diver quadrat surveys showed higher abundances of juvenile (< 20 mm carapace length) size classes the following spring and summer at LTB Crib compared to its paired reference site. Stock-recruit curves fit to count data, pooled across all sites, provided further evidence of density-dependence. With a proviso that we only conducted two seasons of consecutive suppression, this study highlights an important aspect of invasive species management and raises questions about the efficacy of adult-only crayfish removal strategies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10530-023-03076-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake T. Kvistad
- Department of Biology, Biosciences 2100, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 USA
- Cramer Fish Sciences, Watershed Sciences Laboratory, 1125 12th Avenue NW, Suite B-1, Issaquah, WA 98027 USA
| | - Tracy L. Galarowicz
- Department of Biology, Biosciences 2100, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 USA
| | - David F. Clapp
- Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Charlevoix Fisheries Research Station, 96 Grant Street, Charlevoix, MI 49720 USA
| | - William L. Chadderton
- The Nature Conservancy, 721 Flanner Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Andrew J. Tucker
- The Nature Conservancy, 721 Flanner Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
| | - Gust Annis
- The Nature Conservancy, 101 E. César E. Chávez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906 USA
| | - Matthew Herbert
- The Nature Conservancy, 101 E. César E. Chávez Avenue, Lansing, MI 48906 USA
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4
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The bioeconomic paradox of market-based invasive species harvest: a case study of the commercial lionfish fishery. Biol Invasions 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-023-02998-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
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5
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Rosenheim JA, Schreiber SJ. Pathways to the density-dependent expression of cannibalism, and consequences for regulated population dynamics. Ecology 2022; 103:e3785. [PMID: 35818739 DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cannibalism, once viewed as a rare or aberrant behavior, is now recognized to be widespread and to contribute broadly to the self-regulation of many populations. Cannibalism can produce endogenous negative feedback on population growth because it is expressed as a conditional behavior, responding to the deteriorating ecological conditions that flow, directly or indirectly, from increasing densities of conspecifics. Thus, cannibalism emerges as a strongly density-dependent source of mortality. In this synthesis, we review recent research that has revealed a rich diversity of pathways through which rising density elicits increased cannibalism, including both factors that (a) elevate the rate of dangerous encounters between conspecifics and (b) enhance the likelihood that such encounters will lead to successful cannibalistic attacks. These pathways include both features of the autecology of cannibal populations and features of interactions with other species, including food resources and pathogens. Using mathematical models, we explore the consequences of including density-dependent cannibal attack rates on population dynamics. The conditional expression of cannibalism generally enhances stability and population regulation in single-species models but also may increase opportunities for alternative states and prey population escape from control by cannibalistic predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A Rosenheim
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sebastian J Schreiber
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Takimoto G, Nishijima S. A simple theory for the mesopredator release effect: when does an apex predator protect their shared prey from a mesopredator? OIKOS 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.09021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaku Takimoto
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The Univ. of Tokyo Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Shota Nishijima
- Fisheries Resources Institute, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency Kanazawa, Yokohama Kanagawa Japan
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7
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DeRoy EM, Crookes S, Matheson K, Scott R, McKenzie CH, Alexander ME, Dick JTA, MacIsaac HJ. Predatory ability and abundance forecast the ecological impacts of two aquatic invasive species. NEOBIOTA 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.71.75711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Characterising interspecific interaction strengths, combined with population abundances of prey and their novel predators, is critical to develop predictive invasion ecology. This is especially true of aquatic invasive species, which can pose a significant threat to the structure and stability of the ecosystems to which they are introduced. Here, we investigated consumer-resource dynamics of two globally-established aquatic invasive species, European green crab (Carcinus maenas) and brown trout (Salmo trutta). We explored the mediating effect of prey density on predatory impact in these invaders relative to functionally analogous native rock crab (Cancer irroratus) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), respectively, feeding on shared prey (Mytilus sp. and Tenebrio molitor, respectively). We subsequently combined feeding rates with each predator’s regional abundance to forecast relative ecological impacts. All predators demonstrated potentially destabilising Type II functional responses towards prey, with native rock crab and invasive brown trout exhibiting greater per capita impacts relative to their trophic analogues. Functional Response Ratios (attack rates divided by handling times) were higher for both invasive species, reflecting greater overall per capita effects compared to natives. Impact projections that incorporated predator abundances with per capita effects predicted severe impacts by European green crabs. However, brown trout, despite possessing higher per capita effects than Atlantic salmon, are projected to have low impact owing to currently low abundances in the sampled watershed. Should brown trout density increase sixfold, we predict it would exert higher impact than Atlantic salmon. Such impact-forecasting metrics and methods are thus vital tools to assist in the determination of current and future adverse impacts associated with aquatic invasive species.
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Cheng BS, Blumenthal J, Chang AL, Barley J, Ferner MC, Nielsen KJ, Ruiz GM, Zabin CJ. Severe introduced predator impacts despite attempted functional eradication. Biol Invasions 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02677-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Melton CB, Reside AE, Simmonds JS, Mcdonald PG, Major RE, Crates R, Catterall CP, Clarke MF, Grey MJ, Davitt G, Ingwersen D, Robinson D, Maron M. Evaluating the evidence of culling a native species for conservation benefits. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney B. Melton
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - April E. Reside
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Jeremy S. Simmonds
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Paul G. Mcdonald
- School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Richard E. Major
- Australian Museum Research Institute Australian Museum Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Ross Crates
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Canberra Acton Australia
| | - Carla P. Catterall
- School of Environment and Science Griffith University Nathan Queensland Australia
| | - Michael F. Clarke
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Merilyn J. Grey
- Research Centre for Future Landscapes, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution La Trobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | | | | | - Doug Robinson
- Trust for Nature Melbourne Victoria Australia
- School of Life Sciences La Trobe University Bundoora Victoria Australia
| | - Martine Maron
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
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10
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Davis ACD, Akins L, Pollock C, Lundgren I, Johnston MA, Castillo B, Reale‐Munroe K, McDonough V, Moneysmith S, Green SJ. Multiple drivers of invasive lionfish culling efficiency in marine protected areas. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lad Akins
- Frost Museum of Science Miami Florida USA
- Reef Environmental Education Foundation Key Largo Florida USA
| | - Clayton Pollock
- Buck Island Reef National Monument St. Croix Virgin Islands USA
| | - Ian Lundgren
- Buck Island Reef National Monument St. Croix Virgin Islands USA
| | | | - Bernard Castillo
- University of the Virgin Islands Saint Thomas Virgin Islands USA
| | | | | | | | - Stephanie J. Green
- University of Alberta Alberta Canada
- Reef Environmental Education Foundation Key Largo Florida USA
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11
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Tepolt CK, Grosholz ED, de Rivera CE, Ruiz GM. Balanced polymorphism fuels rapid selection in an invasive crab despite high gene flow and low genetic diversity. Mol Ecol 2021; 31:55-69. [PMID: 34431151 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adaptation across environmental gradients has been demonstrated in numerous systems with extensive dispersal, despite high gene flow and consequently low genetic structure. The speed and mechanisms by which such adaptation occurs remain poorly resolved, but are critical to understanding species spread and persistence in a changing world. Here, we investigate these mechanisms in the European green crab Carcinus maenas, a globally distributed invader. We focus on a northwestern Pacific population that spread across >12 degrees of latitude in 10 years from a single source, following its introduction <35 years ago. Using six locations spanning >1500 km, we examine genetic structure using 9376 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We find high connectivity among five locations, with significant structure between these locations and an enclosed lagoon with limited connectivity to the coast. Among the five highly connected locations, the only structure observed was a cline driven by a handful of SNPs strongly associated with latitude and winter temperature. These SNPs are almost exclusively found in a large cluster of genes in strong linkage disequilibrium that was previously identified as a candidate for cold tolerance adaptation in this species. This region may represent a balanced polymorphism that evolved to promote rapid adaptation in variable environments despite high gene flow, and which now contributes to successful invasion and spread in a novel environment. This research suggests an answer to the paradox of genetically depauperate yet successful invaders: populations may be able to adapt via a few variants of large effect despite low overall diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn K Tepolt
- Department of Biology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Edwin D Grosholz
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Catherine E de Rivera
- Department of Environmental Science and Management, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Gregory M Ruiz
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Smithsonian Institution, Edgewater, Maryland, USA
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