Predicting biological invasions in marine habitats through eco‐physiological mechanistic models: a case study with the bivalve Brachidontes pharaonis. Issue 10 (23rd April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sarà, G.; Palmeri, V.; Rinaldi, A.; Montalto, V.; Helmuth, B.; Thuiller, Wilfried
• Is Part Of: Diversity & distributions. Volume 19:Issue 10(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: 1235
• Page End: 1247
• Publication Date: 2013-04-23
• Subjects: Biodiversity -- Periodicals; Biodiversity conservation -- Periodicals; 577
• DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-9516

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ddi12074-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ddi12074-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>We used a coupled biophysical ecology (BE)‐physiological mechanistic modelling approach based on the Dynamic Energy Budget theory (DEB, <italic> Dynamic energy budget theory for metabolic organisation</italic>, 2010, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge; DEB) to generate spatially explicit predictions of physiological performance (maximal size and reproductive output) for the invasive mussel, <italic>Brachidontes pharaonis</italic>.</p> </sec> <sec id="ddi12074-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Location</title> <p>We examined 26 sites throughout the central Mediterranean Sea.</p> </sec> <sec id="ddi12074-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We ran models under subtidal and intertidal conditions; hourly weather and water temperature data were obtained from the Italian Buoy Network, and monthly CHL‐<italic>a</italic> data were obtained from satellite imagery.</p> </sec> <sec id="ddi12074-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Mechanistic analysis of the <italic>B. pharaonis</italic> fundamental niche shows that subtidal sites in the Central Mediterranean are generally suitable for this invasive bivalve but that intertidal habitats appear to serve as genetic sinks.</p> </sec> <sec id="ddi12074-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Main conclusions</title> <p>A BE‐DEB approach enabled an assessment of how the physical environment affects the potential distribution of <italic>B. pharaonis</italic>. Combined with models of larval dispersal, this approach can provide estimates of the likelihood that an invasive species will become established.</p> </sec> </abstract>