Risk screening of the potential invasiveness of non-native jellyfishes in the Mediterranean Sea. (January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Killi, Nurçin; Tarkan, Ali Serhan; Kozic, Sebastian; Copp, Gordon H.; Davison, Phil I.; Vilizzi, Lorenzo
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 150(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01
• Subjects: Cubomedusae -- Hydromedusae -- Scyphomedusae -- Lessepsian -- Global warming; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110728
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to risk screen 45 jellyfish species (30 hydromedusae, 14 scyphomedusae, one cubomedusa) for their potential invasiveness in the Mediterranean Sea to aid managers in making informed decisions on targeting appropriate species for management. Using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK), calibrated basic and climate-change threshold assessment scores of 6.5 and 12.5, respectively, were identified for distinguishing reliably between species that pose 'low-to-medium' and 'high' risk of becoming invasive in the risk assessment area. Using these thresholds, 16 species were classified as high risk, 23 as medium risk and six as low risk under current climate conditions. Whereas, under future climate conditions, 13, 30 and two species, respectively, were classified as high, medium and low risk, respectively. Upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda, Australian spotted jellyfish Phyllorhiza punctata, sea nettle Chrysaora quinquecirrha and Rhopilema nomadica were the highest-scoring species, with the maximum increase in risk score under predicted climate change conditions being achieved by C. andromeda . Highlights: Out of 45 jellyfish species assessed, 16 were classified as high risk. 22 species increased invasiveness risk by climate change assessment. Indo-Pacific species tended to increase their potential risk by climate change. In all cases, confidence levels indicated medium to high confidence.