Non-Native Species Threaten Antarctic Marine Ecosystems

August 23, 2024

Recent research published in Global Change Biology warns about the increasing danger of non-native species reaching Antarctica, especially through floating objects like marine debris. This is becoming a bigger concern due to climate change and more ships traveling to and from Antarctica, which can carry organisms from warmer regions.

Why Non-Native Species are a Problem

Non-native species, whether they are plants or animals, can disrupt the natural balance of life in Antarctica. The native species there have adapted to extremely cold and unique conditions, and the introduction of new species could threaten their survival. As the climate warms and more ice-free areas appear, conditions might become favorable for these non-native species to survive and spread, leading to significant changes in the local ecosystem.

Where These Species Are Coming From

Studies have shown that floating objects can drift to Antarctica from various places, not just nearby sub-Antarctic islands but also from continents like Australia, South Africa, South America, and New Zealand. These regions have species that can survive long journeys by clinging to floating debris, increasing the likelihood that they might reach Antarctica.

How the Research Was Conducted

To understand this risk better, researchers used computer models to simulate how virtual particles, representing floating objects, would move through the ocean. They released these particles from ten locations, including areas known for having southern bull kelp, a species with strong rafting abilities, as well as places where marine debris is common. The simulations showed that there is a significant connection between Antarctica and other southern landmasses. For instance, particles from places like Macquarie Island, Kerguelen Islands, and South Georgia had the highest chances of reaching Antarctica. On the other hand, Tasmania had the least connection, meaning fewer particles from there reached Antarctic shores.

The Role of Human-Made Debris

The rise in plastics and other human-made debris in the ocean is providing more opportunities for organisms to hitch a ride to Antarctica. For example, molluscs and kelp can attach themselves to these objects and potentially start new populations in Antarctica, which could harm the native marine life there.

The Specific Threat of Southern Bull Kelp

Southern bull kelp (Durvillaea antarctica) is a particularly worrying species because of its large size and ability to reproduce over long distances in the ocean. If it manages to establish itself in Antarctica, it could change marine ecosystems by creating new habitats, which would support different species and potentially disrupt the current ecological balance.

This research highlights the serious risk that non-native species pose to Antarctica’s unique ecosystems, especially as the environment changes. It stresses the importance of monitoring these threats and developing strategies to protect the region’s biodiversity from these emerging dangers.

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