Introduced marine organisms as habitat modifiers

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Non-indigenous species (NIS) introductions are typically assessed by their impact on biodiversity.
• The role of NIS as ecosystem engineers, altering habitats and ecological services, is often overlooked in risk assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of considering the ecosystem engineering effects of NIS in risk assessments.
• To explore the multifaceted impacts of NIS on physical and chemical habitat characteristics.
• To examine the economic consequences and potential bioremediation applications of NIS.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on NIS impacts.
• Analysis of physical and chemical alterations caused by NIS.
• Evaluation of ecological services affected by NIS.
• Assessment of economic impacts and bioremediation potential.

Main Results:

• NIS can physically modify substrates and habitat architecture, affecting water flow, sedimentation, and light.
• Chemical changes induced by NIS can impact ecosystem services and epibionts.
• NIS can negatively affect natural resources and aquaculture, leading to economic losses.
• Established NIS can be utilized for bioremediation, offering economic benefits.

Conclusions:

• NIS act as significant ecosystem engineers with profound impacts on habitats and ecological services.
• Comprehensive risk assessments must incorporate the ecosystem engineering roles of NIS.
• NIS present both economic challenges (e.g., fouling, resource depletion) and opportunities (e.g., bioremediation).