Abdullah, Edwin (2019) Aliens in the Antarctic Ocean. Master's Thesis / Essay, Marine Biology.
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Abstract
The Antarctic Ocean is characterised by extreme temperatures and high seasonal variability. This has allowed only the most adapted species to survive and populate the benthic communities, resulting in a high rate of endemism. Due to a lack of shell-crushing (durophagous) predators, the Antarctic Ocean communities are dominated by invertebrates, displaying high levels of diversity which would not be assumed based on the external conditions. However, due to elevated sea surface temperatures, increased light incidence levels and increased vessel transport into the Antarctic Ocean, these pristine and sensitive communities are now being threatened by several threats, including invasive species. Novel introductions of durophagous predators may disrupt the current marine ecosystem, altering its function or even causing desertification. Invasive invertebrates may outcompete the endemic species and decrease diversity, lowering the stability of the Antarctic system. The main transport across the Antarctic ocean for non-endemic species is by anthropogenic vessel transport, either by attaching to the hulls of ships or finding refuge in ballast water or sea chests. Therefore, prevention of alien species should focus on the inspection of ships into the Antarctic Ocean, especially those that frequent higher latitude waters including the Arctic, since these species already possess adaptations to protect them from the extreme cold in the Antarctic Ocean. While currently there have not been any reproductive populations established in the Antarctic Ocean, several durophagous and invertebrate species are poised to invade due to increases in global temperatures and should be monitored closely.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay) |
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| Supervisor name: | Buma, A.G.J. |
| Degree programme: | Marine Biology |
| Thesis type: | Master's Thesis / Essay |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Dec 2019 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Dec 2019 12:37 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/21269 |
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