Predicting free-space occupancy on novel artificial structures by an invasive intertidal barnacle using a removal experiment

PLoS One. 2013 Sep 4;8(9):e74457. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0074457. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

Artificial structures can create novel habitat in the marine environment that has been associated with the spread of invasive species. They are often located in areas of high disturbance and can vary significantly in the area of free space provided for settlement of marine organisms. Whilst correlation between the amount of free space available and recruitment success has been shown in populations of several marine benthic organisms, there has been relatively little focus on invasive species, a group with the potential to reproduce in vast numbers and colonise habitats rapidly. Invasion success following different scales of disturbance was examined in the invasive acorn barnacle, Austrominiusmodestus, on a unique art installation located in Liverpool Bay. Population growth and recruitment success were examined by comparing recruitment rates within disturbance clearings of 4 different sizes and by contrasting population development with early recruitment rates over a 10 week period. Disturbed areas were rapidly recolonised and monocultures of A. modestus formed within 6 weeks. The size of patch created during disturbance had no effect on the rate of recruitment, while a linear relationship between recruit density and patch size was observed. Density-dependent processes mediated initial high recruitment resulting in population stability after 8-10 weeks, but densities continued to greatly exceed those reported in natural habitats. Given that artificial structures are likely to continue to proliferate in light of climate change projections, free-space is likely to become more available more frequently in the future supporting the expansion of fast-colonising species.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Climate Change
  • Ecosystem*
  • Introduced Species*
  • Thoracica / growth & development*
  • Time Factors

Grants and funding

The completion of MRes by Sally Bracewell was supported by an Esmée Fairbairn Foundation grant via the URBANE project (Urban Research on Biodiversity on Artificial and Natural coastal Environments). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.