Predicting Free-Space Occupancy on Novel Artificial Structures by an Invasive Intertidal Barnacle Using a Removal Experiment

PLoS One

Louise B. Firth¹  Sally A. Bracewell²  Leonie A. Robinson²  Antony M. Knights² 

[1] Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland;School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

关键词: Invasive species;    Barnacles;    Habitats;    Species colonization;    Marine environments;    Species diversity;    Beaches;    Community structure;   

DOI  :  10.1371/journal.pone.0074457

学科分类：医学（综合）

来源: Public Library of Science

【 摘 要 】

Artificial structures can create novel habitat in the marine environment that has been associated with the spread of invasive species. They are often located in areas of high disturbance and can vary significantly in the area of free space provided for settlement of marine organisms. Whilst correlation between the amount of free space available and recruitment success has been shown in populations of several marine benthic organisms, there has been relatively little focus on invasive species, a group with the potential to reproduce in vast numbers and colonise habitats rapidly. Invasion success following different scales of disturbance was examined in the invasive acorn barnacle, Austrominius modestus, on a unique art installation located in Liverpool Bay. Population growth and recruitment success were examined by comparing recruitment rates within disturbance clearings of 4 different sizes and by contrasting population development with early recruitment rates over a 10 week period. Disturbed areas were rapidly recolonised and monocultures of A. modestus formed within 6 weeks. The size of patch created during disturbance had no effect on the rate of recruitment, while a linear relationship between recruit density and patch size was observed. Density-dependent processes mediated initial high recruitment resulting in population stability after 8-10 weeks, but densities continued to greatly exceed those reported in natural habitats. Given that artificial structures are likely to continue to proliferate in light of climate change projections, free-space is likely to become more available more frequently in the future supporting the expansion of fast-colonising species.

【 授权许可】

CC BY