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Accelerating invasion rate in a highly invaded estuary
1A. N. Cohen, San Francisco Estuary Institute, 1325 South 46 Street, Richmond, CA 94804, USA. J. T. Carlton, Maritime Studies Program, Williams College-Mystic Seaport, Post Office Box 6000, Mystic, CT 06355, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 28, 1998
Summary
Biological invasions pose significant environmental and economic threats. The San Francisco Bay and Delta may be the world's most invaded estuary due to numerous exotic species and accelerating invasion rates.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Biological invasions represent a critical global challenge, impacting ecosystems and economies worldwide.
- The San Francisco Bay and Delta ecosystem is a focal point for studying invasion dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the extent and rate of biological invasions in the San Francisco Bay and Delta.
- To identify potential drivers contributing to the high invasion levels in this estuary.
Main Methods:
- Ecological assessment of species composition, abundance, and biomass across habitats.
- Analysis of historical and current invasion trends.
- Evaluation of potential contributing factors such as transport vectors and habitat disturbance.
Main Results:
- A substantial number of exotic species have established, dominating numerous habitats by species, individual count, and biomass.
- The rate of new invasions is high and appears to be accelerating.
- The San Francisco Bay and Delta exhibits characteristics of potentially being the most invaded estuary globally.
Conclusions:
- The San Francisco Bay and Delta faces severe biological invasion, with significant ecological and economic implications.
- Factors contributing to this high invasion level include diverse transport vectors, a less diverse native species pool, and extensive habitat disturbances.