Marine species introduction via reproduction and its response to ship transit routes

Abstract

The introduction of nonindigenous species (NIS) threatens global ecosystems and results primarily from human transportation and trade activities. Although some NIS can disperse immediately upon arrival (for example, mobile species), actual inoculation for other (sessile) species can require a reproductive event to produce propagules that disperse and establish. NIS reproductive potential, however, can vary with environmental conditions experienced during transit and upon arrival that differ substantially by route. We propose that variation in reproductive responses, both across species and transit routes, is a critical but overlooked driver of species invasions. We illustrate these concepts using vessel biofouling organisms, which are exposed to vastly different conditions during transport across the world’s oceans. Current knowledge gaps prevent precise predictions of the potential for species to be introduced via reproduction. Integrating reproductive potential into management strategies is key to limiting NIS spread, particularly as climate change and novel events continue to alter global transportation networks. Front Ecol Environ 2022;.