Assessing the potential for the introduction and spread of alien species with marine litter. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mghili, Bilal; De-la-Torre, Gabriel Enrique; Aksissou, Mustapha
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 191(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: Plastic litter -- Transport -- Vector -- Non-indigenous species -- Invasive species -- Dispersion; 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.2023.114913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The introduction and transport of marine invasive species into new environments are a great threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services with potential economic repercussions. There are several routes and mechanisms by which alien species are transported and dispersed in the marine environment (shipping, waterways, and aquaculture). Each year, millions of tons of plastic enter the ocean. The presence of floating marine litter in marine environments provides a substrate for marine organisms and may increase the potential for the transport of alien species. Research on the role of marine litter in the introduction of alien marine species has grown exponentially in recent years. In this study, studies examining the transport and dispersal of alien species by marine litter are reviewed. In this review, we identified 67 alien species associated with marine litter. The most recurrent alien phyla found on marine litter are Arthropoda (29 %), Mollusca (23 %), Bryozoa (19 %), Annelida (7 %) and Cnidaria (5 %). Plastic appears to be more efficient in transporting alien species than by natural means. Their characteristics (buoyancy and persistence) allow them to be widely dispersed throughout all ocean compartments. Thus, plastics may act as a primary vector, carrying organisms to remote areas but can also facilitate the secondary spread of alien species between points of invasion. Despite the growing number of studies on this subject, much work remains to be done to understand the roles of plastics in the introduction of alien species and to develop solutions to mitigate the issue. Highlights: The role of marine litter in the biological invasion is poorly studied. A total of 67 alien species were identified associated with marine litter. Plastic litter are an important vectors for the spread of alien species. The most alien phyla found on marine litter are Arthropoda, Mollusca and Bryozoa Plastics can act as a primary vector, but also facilitate the secondary spread of alien species.