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Non-native ecosystem engineer alters estuarine communities.

Kimberly W Heiman1, Fiorenza Micheli

  • 1Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18104, USA. kheiman@muhlenberg.edu

Integrative and Comparative Biology
|May 12, 2011
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Non-native ecosystem engineers, like the tubeworm Ficopomatus enigmaticus, can increase habitat complexity and facilitate other invasive species. Their removal may not control invasive populations, potentially worsening ecological impacts in estuaries.

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Area of Science:

  • Ecology
  • Marine Biology
  • Invasive Species Research

Background:

  • Ecosystem engineers shape habitats and influence species composition.
  • Non-native ecosystem engineers can drastically alter native communities.
  • Understanding interactions between non-native engineers and existing species is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the non-native tubeworm Ficopomatus enigmaticus on benthic community composition in Elkhorn Slough.
  • To determine if F. enigmaticus facilitates other non-native species and alters habitat heterogeneity.
  • To assess the effectiveness of reef removal as an invasive species control strategy.

Main Methods:

  • Ecological sampling of tubeworm reefs and adjacent mudflats.
  • Experimental removal of Ficopomatus enigmaticus reefs.
  • Analysis of benthic species abundance, diversity, and community composition.

Main Results:

  • Tubeworm reefs supported higher abundances of non-native polychaetes and amphipods compared to mudflats.
  • Infaunal diversity and abundance were low directly beneath and around reef structures.
  • Reef removal led to colonization by opportunistic non-native species, indicating potential invasional meltdown.

Conclusions:

  • Non-native ecosystem engineers can increase habitat heterogeneity and facilitate invasions.
  • Reef removal may not be an effective control strategy and could exacerbate invasions.
  • F. enigmaticus acts as a habitat provider, influencing benthic community structure and promoting invasional meltdown in Elkhorn Slough.