Biological Invasions in Marine Ecosystems

Few things threaten the integrity of ecosystems more than biological invasions. This book fully explores the current state of marine bioinvasions, which have been occurring at an alarmingly increased rate in recent decades.

Biological invasions are considered to be one of the greatest threats to the integrity of most ecosystems on earth. This volume explores the current state of marine bioinvasions, which have been growing at an exponential rate over recent decades. Focusing on the ecological aspects of biological invasions, it elucidates the different stages of an invasion process, starting with uptake and transport, through inoculation, establishment and finally integration into new ecosystems. Basic ecological concepts - all in the context of bioinvasions - are covered, such as propagule pressure, species interactions, phenotypic plasticity, and the importance of biodiversity. The authors approach bioinvasions as hazards to the integrity of natural communities, but also as a tool for better understanding fundamental ecological processes. Important aspects of managing marine bioinvasions are also discussed, as are many informative case studies from around the world.

The first book dealing exclusively and in a comprehensive way with marine bioinvasions Focuses on ecological aspects Depicts the different stages of the invasion process Discusses management issues Presents illustrative case studies from different regions of the world Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Perspectives on Marine Invasions.- Marine Bioinvasions: Conservation Hazards and Vehicles for Ecological Understanding.- Deep Invasion Ecology and the Assembly of Communities in Historical Time.- Natural and Climate Change Mediated Invasions.- Modeling Marine Invasions: Current and Future Approaches.- Invader Arrival.- Characterizing Vectors of Marine Invasion.- The Vessel as a Vector Biofouling, Ballast Water and Sediments.- The Role of Propagule Pressure in Invasion Success.- Differentiating Successful and Failed Invaders: Species Pools and the Importance of Defining Vector, Source and Recipient Regions.- Invader Establishment.- The Establishment of Invasive Species.- The Role of Phenotypic Plasticity in Marine Biological Invasions.- Escape from Parasites.- Ecological Factors Affecting Community Invasibility.- Invader Integration into Ecosystems.- The Integration of Invasive Species into Marine Ecosystemss.- Competition in Marine Invasions.- Predator-Prey Interactions of Marine Invaders.- The Role of Exotic Marine Ecosystem Engineers.- Multitrophic Effects of Invasions in Marine and Estuarine Systems.- Management Perspectives.- Marine Bioinvasion Management: Structural Framework.- Examples of Current International, Regional and National Regulatory Frameworks for Preventing and Managing Marine Bioinvasions.- An Overview of Risk Assessment in a Marine Biosecurity Context.- Differing Consequences of Removing Ecosystem-Modifying Invaders: Significance of Impact and Community Context to Restoration Potential.- Geographic Perspectives.- Geographic Perspectives of Invasions in the Sea.- The Status and Distribution of Marine Alien Species in South Africa.- Marine Invasions in New Zealand: A History of Complex Supply-Side Dynamics.- Marine Bioinvasions in Australia.-Marine Bioinvasions in the Southeastern Pacific: Status, Ecology, Economic Impacts, Conservation and Management.- Marine Bioinvasions in the Brazilian Coast: Brief Report on History of Events, Vectors, Ecology, Impacts and Management of Non-indigenous Species.- Four Centuries of Biological Invasions in Tidal Waters of the Chesapeake Bay Region.- Introduced Aquatic Species of the North Sea Coasts and Adjacent Brackish Waters.- European Enclosed and Semi-enclosed Seas.- Marine Bioinvasions in the Mediterranean Sea History, Distribution and Ecology.- A First Assessment of Invasive Marine Species on Chinese and Korean Coasts.- Invasions of Estuaries vs the Adjacent Open Coast: A Global Perspective.- Concluding Thoughts.- Future Directions For Marine Invasions Research.