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Bayley DTI, Brewin PE, James R, McCarthy AH, Brickle P. Identifying marine invasion threats and management priorities through introduction pathway analysis in a remote sub-Antarctic ecosystem. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11299. [PMID: 38654709 PMCID: PMC11036081 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The threat from novel marine species introductions is a global issue. When non-native marine species are introduced to novel environments and become invasive, they can affect biodiversity, industry, ecosystem function, and both human and wildlife health. Isolated areas with sensitive or highly specialised endemic species can be particularly impacted. The global increase in the scope of tourism and other human activities, together with a rapidly changing climate, now put these remote ecosystems under threat. In this context, we analyse invasion pathways into South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) for marine non-native species via vessel biofouling. The SGSSI archipelago has high biodiversity and endemism, and has historically been highly isolated from the South American mainland. The islands sit just below the Polar Front temperature boundary, affording some protection against introductions. However, the region is now warming and SGSSI increasingly acts as a gateway port for vessel traffic into the wider Antarctic, amplifying invasion likelihood. We use remote Automatic Identification System vessel-tracking data over a 2-year period to map vessel movement and behaviour around South Georgia, and across the 'Scotia Sea', 'Magellanic' and northern 'Continental High Antarctic' ecoregions. We find multiple vessel types from locations across the globe frequently now enter shallow inshore waters and stop for prolonged periods (weeks/months) at anchor. Vessels are active throughout the year and stop at multiple port hubs, frequently crossing international waters and ecoregions. Management recommendations to reduce marine invasion likelihood within SGSSI include initiating benthic and hull monitoring at the identified activity/dispersion hubs of King Edward Point, Bay of Isles, Gold Harbour, St Andrews Bay and Stromness Bay. More broadly, regional collaboration and coordination is necessary at neighbouring international ports. Here vessels need increased pre- and post-arrival biosecurity assessment following set protocols, and improved monitoring of hulls for biofouling to pre-emptively mitigate this threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. I. Bayley
- South Atlantic Environment Research InstituteStanleyFalkland Islands
- Centre for Biodiversity and Environment ResearchUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Paul E. Brewin
- South Atlantic Environment Research InstituteStanleyFalkland Islands
- Shallow Marine Surveys GroupStanleyFalkland Islands
| | - Ross James
- Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich IslandsStanleyFalkland Islands
| | - Arlie H. McCarthy
- Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg (HIFMB)OldenburgGermany
- Alfred‐Wegener‐InstitutHelmholtz‐Zentrum für Polar‐ Und MeeresforschungBremerhavenGermany
| | - Paul Brickle
- South Atlantic Environment Research InstituteStanleyFalkland Islands
- Shallow Marine Surveys GroupStanleyFalkland Islands
- School of Biological Sciences (Zoology)University of AberdeenAberdeenUK
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2
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Brooks ST, Jabour J, Hughes KA, Morgan F, Convey P, Polymeropoulos ET, Bergstrom DM. Systematic conservation planning for Antarctic research stations. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 351:119711. [PMID: 38070424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
The small ice-free areas of Antarctica are essential locations for both biodiversity and scientific research but are subject to considerable and expanding human impacts, resulting primarily from station-based research and support activities, and local tourism. Awareness by operators of the need to conserve natural values in and around station and visitor site footprints exists, but the cumulative nature of impacts often results in reactive rather than proactive management. With human activity spread across many isolated pockets of ice-free ground, the pathway to the greatest reduction of human impacts within this natural reserve is through better management of these areas, which are impacted the most. Using a case study of Australia's Casey Station, we found significant natural values persist within the immediate proximity (<10 m) of long-term station infrastructure, but encroachment by physical disturbance results in ongoing pressures. Active planning to better conserve such values would provide a direct opportunity to enhance protection of Antarctica's environment. Here we introduce an approach to systematic conservation planning, tailored to Antarctic research stations, to help managers improve the conservation of values surrounding their activity locations. Use of this approach provides a potential mechanism to balance the need for scientific access to the continent with international obligations to protect its environment. It may also facilitate the development of subordinate conservation tools, including management plans and natural capital accounting. By proactively minimising and containing their station footprints, national programs can also independently demonstrate their commitment to protecting Antarctica's environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun T Brooks
- CSIRO Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia; Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Julia Jabour
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Kevin A Hughes
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom
| | - Fraser Morgan
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Auckland, New Zealand; Te Pūnaha Matatini, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Convey
- British Antarctic Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, United Kingdom; Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa; Cape Horn International Center (CHIC), Puerto Williams, Chile; Millennium Institute Biodiversity of Antarctic and Subantarctic Ecosystems (BASE), Santiago, Chile
| | - Elias T Polymeropoulos
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Dana M Bergstrom
- Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa; Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Kingston, Australia
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3
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Leihy RI, Peake L, Clarke DA, Chown SL, McGeoch MA. Introduced and invasive alien species of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Islands. Sci Data 2023; 10:200. [PMID: 37041141 PMCID: PMC10090047 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Open data on biological invasions are particularly critical in regions that are co-governed and/or where multiple independent parties have responsibility for preventing and controlling invasive alien species. The Antarctic is one such region where, in spite of multiple examples of invasion policy and management success, open, centralised data are not yet available. This dataset provides current and comprehensive information available on the identity, localities, establishment, eradication status, dates of introduction, habitat, and evidence of impact of known introduced and invasive alien species for the terrestrial and freshwater Antarctic and Southern Ocean region. It includes 3066 records for 1204 taxa and 36 individual localities. The evidence indicates that close to half of these species are not having an invasive impact, and that ~ 13% of records are of species considered locally invasive. The data are provided using current biodiversity and invasive alien species data and terminology standards. They provide a baseline for updating and maintaining the foundational knowledge needed to halt the rapidly growing risk of biological invasion in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel I Leihy
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia.
| | - Lou Peake
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, Department of Environment and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - David A Clarke
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, Department of Environment and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Steven L Chown
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Melodie A McGeoch
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, Department of Environment and Genetics, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia
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4
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Leistenschneider C, Le Bohec C, Eisen O, Houstin A, Neff S, Primpke S, Zitterbart DP, Burkhardt-Holm P, Gerdts G. No evidence of microplastic ingestion in emperor penguin chicks (Aptenodytes forsteri) from the Atka Bay colony (Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158314. [PMID: 36041615 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (<5 mm; MP) pollution has been an emerging threat for marine ecosystems around the globe with increasing evidence that even the world's most remote areas, including Antarctica, are no longer unaffected. Few studies however, have examined MP in Antarctic biota, and especially those from Antarctic regions with low human activity, meaning little is known about the extent to which biota are affected. The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the occurrence of MP in the emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri), the only penguin species breeding around Antarctica during the austral winter, and an endemic apex predator in the Southern Ocean. To assess MP ingestion, the gizzards of 41 emperor penguin chicks from Atka Bay colony (Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica), were dissected and analyzed for MP >500 μm using Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier-transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. A total of 85 putative particles, mostly in the shape of fibers (65.9 %), were sorted. However, none of the particles were identified as MP applying state-of-the-art methodology. Sorted fibers were further evidenced to originate from contamination during sample processing and analyses. We find that MP concentrations in the local food web of the Weddell Sea and Dronning Maud Land coastal and marginal sea-ice regions; the feeding grounds to chick-rearing emperor penguin adults, are currently at such low levels that no detectable biomagnification is occurring via trophic transfer. Being in contrast to MP studies on other Antarctic and sub-Antarctic penguin species, our comparative discussion including these studies, highlights the importance for standardized procedures for sampling, sample processing and analyses to obtain comparable results. We further discuss other stomach contents and their potential role for MP detection, as well as providing a baseline for the long-term monitoring of MP in apex predator species from this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Leistenschneider
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Man-Society-Environment Program, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland; Department of Microbial Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany.
| | - Céline Le Bohec
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC UMR, 7178 Strasbourg, France; Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Département de Biologie Polaire, Monaco City, Monaco
| | - Olaf Eisen
- Glaciology, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany and Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Aymeric Houstin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, IPHC UMR, 7178 Strasbourg, France; Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Département de Biologie Polaire, Monaco City, Monaco
| | - Simon Neff
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Straße 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Primpke
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
| | - Daniel P Zitterbart
- Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, USA; Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Patricia Burkhardt-Holm
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Man-Society-Environment Program, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gunnar Gerdts
- Department of Microbial Ecology, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, Germany
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Lee JR, Waterman MJ, Shaw JD, Bergstrom DM, Lynch HJ, Wall DH, Robinson SA. Islands in the ice: Potential impacts of habitat transformation on Antarctic biodiversity. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:5865-5880. [PMID: 35795907 PMCID: PMC9542894 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Antarctic biodiversity faces an unknown future with a changing climate. Most terrestrial biota is restricted to limited patches of ice-free land in a sea of ice, where they are adapted to the continent's extreme cold and wind and exploit microhabitats of suitable conditions. As temperatures rise, ice-free areas are predicted to expand, more rapidly in some areas than others. There is high uncertainty as to how species' distributions, physiology, abundance, and survivorship will be affected as their habitats transform. Here we use current knowledge to propose hypotheses that ice-free area expansion (i) will increase habitat availability, though the quality of habitat will vary; (ii) will increase structural connectivity, although not necessarily increase opportunities for species establishment; (iii) combined with milder climates will increase likelihood of non-native species establishment, but may also lengthen activity windows for all species; and (iv) will benefit some species and not others, possibly resulting in increased homogeneity of biodiversity. We anticipate considerable spatial, temporal, and taxonomic variation in species responses, and a heightened need for interdisciplinary research to understand the factors associated with ecosystem resilience under future scenarios. Such research will help identify at-risk species or vulnerable localities and is crucial for informing environmental management and policymaking into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine R. Lee
- British Antarctic SurveyNERCCambridgeUK
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Melinda J. Waterman
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Justine D. Shaw
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Biology and Environmental ScienceQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Dana M. Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of AgricultureWater and the EnvironmentKingstonTASAustralia
- Global Challenges ProgramUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Heather J. Lynch
- Department of Ecology and EvolutionStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNew YorkUSA
| | - Diana H. Wall
- Department of Biology and School of Global Environmental SustainabilityColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColoradoUSA
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life SciencesUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
- Global Challenges ProgramUniversity of WollongongWollongongNew South WalesAustralia
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6
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Prelle LR, Schmidt I, Schimani K, Zimmermann J, Abarca N, Skibbe O, Juchem D, Karsten U. Photosynthetic, Respirational, and Growth Responses of Six Benthic Diatoms from the Antarctic Peninsula as Functions of Salinity and Temperature Variations. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071264. [PMID: 35886047 PMCID: PMC9324188 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature and salinity are some of the most influential abiotic parameters shaping biota in aquatic ecosystems. In recent decades, climate change has had a crucial impact on both factors—especially around the Antarctic Peninsula—with increasing air and water temperature leading to glacial melting and the accompanying freshwater increase in coastal areas. Antarctic soft and hard bottoms are typically inhabited by microphytobenthic communities, which are often dominated by benthic diatoms. Their physiology and primary production are assumed to be negatively affected by increased temperatures and lower salinity. In this study, six representative benthic diatom strains were isolated from different aquatic habitats at King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula, and comprehensively identified based on molecular markers and morphological traits. Photosynthesis, respiration, and growth response patterns were investigated as functions of varying light availability, temperature, and salinity. Photosynthesis−irradiance curve measurements pointed to low light requirements, as light-saturated photosynthesis was reached at <70 µmol photons m−2 s−1. The marine isolates exhibited the highest effective quantum yield between 25 and 45 SA (absolute salinity), but also tolerance to lower and higher salinities at 1 SA and 55 SA, respectively, and in a few cases even <100 SA. In contrast, the limnic isolates showed the highest effective quantum yield at salinities ranging from 1 SA to 20 SA. Almost all isolates exhibited high effective quantum yields between 1.5 °C and 25 °C, pointing to a broad temperature tolerance, which was supported by measurements of the short-term temperature-dependent photosynthesis. All studied Antarctic benthic diatoms showed activity patterns over a broader environmental range than they usually experience in situ. Therefore, it is likely that their high ecophysiological plasticity represents an important trait to cope with climate change in the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara R. Prelle
- Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (L.R.P.); (I.S.); (D.J.)
| | - Ina Schmidt
- Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (L.R.P.); (I.S.); (D.J.)
| | - Katherina Schimani
- Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (K.S.); (J.Z.); (N.A.); (O.S.)
| | - Jonas Zimmermann
- Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (K.S.); (J.Z.); (N.A.); (O.S.)
| | - Nelida Abarca
- Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (K.S.); (J.Z.); (N.A.); (O.S.)
| | - Oliver Skibbe
- Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem, Freie Universität Berlin, 14163 Berlin, Germany; (K.S.); (J.Z.); (N.A.); (O.S.)
| | - Desiree Juchem
- Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (L.R.P.); (I.S.); (D.J.)
| | - Ulf Karsten
- Applied Ecology and Phycology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Albert-Einstein-Strasse 3, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (L.R.P.); (I.S.); (D.J.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Ship traffic connects Antarctica's fragile coasts to worldwide ecosystems. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2110303118. [PMID: 35012982 PMCID: PMC8784123 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110303118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ship movements related to fishing, tourism, research, and supply expose the Antarctic continent to human impacts. Until now, only rough estimates or industry-specific information have been available to inform evidence-based policy to mitigate the introduction of nonnative marine species. Antarctica’s Southern Ocean supports a unique biota and represents the only global marine region without any known biological invasions. However, climate change is removing physiological barriers to potential invasive nonnative species and increasing ship activities are raising propagule pressure. The successful conservation of iconic Antarctic species and environments relies on addressing both climate change and direct, localized human impact. We have identified high-risk areas for introduced species and provide essential data that will underpin better evidence-based management in the region. Antarctica, an isolated and long considered pristine wilderness, is becoming increasingly exposed to the negative effects of ship-borne human activity, and especially the introduction of invasive species. Here, we provide a comprehensive quantitative analysis of ship movements into Antarctic waters and a spatially explicit assessment of introduction risk for nonnative marine species in all Antarctic waters. We show that vessels traverse Antarctica’s isolating natural barriers, connecting it directly via an extensive network of ship activity to all global regions, especially South Atlantic and European ports. Ship visits are more than seven times higher to the Antarctic Peninsula (especially east of Anvers Island) and the South Shetland Islands than elsewhere around Antarctica, together accounting for 88% of visits to Southern Ocean ecoregions. Contrary to expectations, we show that while the five recognized “Antarctic Gateway cities” are important last ports of call, especially for research and tourism vessels, an additional 53 ports had vessels directly departing to Antarctica from 2014 to 2018. We identify ports outside Antarctica where biosecurity interventions could be most effectively implemented and the most vulnerable Antarctic locations where monitoring programs for high-risk invaders should be established.
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Bergstrom DM. Maintaining Antarctica's isolation from non-native species. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 37:5-9. [PMID: 34809999 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antarctica's isolation has been breached by various non-native species, including microbes, a grass, and some invertebrates. As yet, no marine species have reportedly established populations. With increasing effects of climate change and human activity, continued concerted action is needed to keep Antarctica protected from the impacts of non-native species establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M Bergstrom
- Australian Antarctic Division, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, Kingston, TAS, 7050, Australia; Global Challenges Program, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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