Are invasive species most successful in habitats of low native species richness across European brackish water seas? |
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| Authors: | Marjo Paavola Sergej Olenin Erkki Leppkoski |
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| Institution: | aEnvironmental and Marine Biology, Åbo Akademi University, FIN-20500 Turku/Åbo, Finland;bCoastal Research and Planning Institute, Klaipeda University, LT-5808 Klaipeda, Lithuania |
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| Abstract: | European brackish water seas (Baltic Sea, Black Sea and Sea of Azov, Caspian Sea) are subject to intense invasion of non-indigenous species (NIS). In these seas, salinity is the most important range limiting factor and native species seem to reach a minimum species richness at intermediate salinities. This trend, revealed by Remane in 1934 and later on confirmed by many other scientists, was compared to the salinity range of already established NIS in the European brackish water seas. It turned out that most NIS are well adapted to the salinities holding lowest native species richness, already in their native area, and that NIS richness maximum in brackish water seas occurs in the salinity intervals of native species richness minimum. A predictable pattern in the salinity range of NIS can be used as a tool in initial risk assessment of future invasions in brackish water seas, especially when mapping highly potential donor and recipient areas. A product of empty niches, suitable environmental conditions, and availability of proper vectors might be the most effective predictor for the invasibility of brackish water areas. |
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| Keywords: | Baltic Sea Black Sea Caspian Sea non-indigenous species (NIS) risk assessment salinity Venice System |
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