Dear Colleagues,
An increasing number of marine invasive species are expanding their ranges in seas all over the globe. As introduced species, they draw attention when they negatively affect populations of native species or when they harm fisheries, shipping, or other industries. Their role can be controversial, since they can be considered as enrichment of the local biota or as a compensation for the loss of native species, as if their introduction is part of a natural selection process in the competition for space.
From a biological perspective, marine invasives attract much attention. Some of the fundamental research questions related to them are species-dependent, while others address general patterns or processes. Often, an anthropogenic factor is involved in the migration of single species or entire species assemblages from their native area to a non-native range. Marine species may expand their ranges by transport in ballast water, as fouling organisms on vessels, oil platforms, flotsam, or shellfish, as escaped aquarium organisms, or by dispersal through new waterways. Once a species has been introduced, the way in which it further expands its range may become a subject of research (e.g., ocean sprawling), and one may debate when a species is really considered invasive. Occasionally, non-native species that increase in abundance and become a nuisance or pest are also considered invasive. One can study the way in which introduced species interact with the original native flora and fauna. It may also be important to identify the relevant ecological traits of introduced marine species that enable them to expand in their non-native range, such as diet or natural enemies. All these questions can be addressed in this Topical Collection on marine invasive species.
Prof. Dr. Bert W. Hoeksema
Dr. Adriaan Gittenberger
Collection Editors
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