Predator-Prey Interactions of Marine Invaders

Abstract

Predator-prey interactions are among the most fundamental processes shaping the structure and function of ecological communities, particularly in marine systems. In the past several decades, it has become clear that humans are interfering considerably with these interactions in many marine systems, mainly by removing top predators via harvesting (Myers and Worm 2003), but also through biological introductions. Most introduced species that have become established in their new environment should be expected to integrate in some way into the food web acting as consumers (predators, herbivores, detritivores) or as prey. Surprisingly, there is a relative paucity of studies that have examined the ecological effects of exotic species on predator-prey interactions, and the potential consequences of these effects for local communities. In this chapter, I will briefly review progress in understanding predator-prey interactions in marine systems, and examine the existing evidence for bioinvasion impacts on these interactions, focusing on relatively well-studied examples.