R/INV-23

Strategic focus area:

Description:

OBJECTIVES: Our project focuses on the Mid-Atlantic region as a model vector system for the transport and sale of marine baitworms and packing algae from Maine. We propose: 1) To describe the potential pool of species that may be transported with baitworms/algae to the Mid-Atlantic and the organisms sold in bait-boxes by determining species quantity and diversity from: (a) marine algae in the Maine source area; (b) bait-boxes sold by Maine distributors; and (c) bait-boxes sold in mid-Atlantic bait shops. 2) To identify management opportunities along the invasion pathway to limit or eliminate the movement of hitchhiking species with baitworms/algae, including: (a) prevention of initial entrainment (i.e., alternative packing materials); (b) removal/prevention from pathway (i.e., rinsing materials prior to use); and (c) inoculation prevention (i.e., proper disposal of materials). 3) To test the efficacy of advisory labels/informational materials on the behavior of fishermen buying baitworms in the Mid-Atlantic. This final component includes three major social science goals: 1) Identifying the socio-ecological system of marine bait worms as potential aquatic invasive species; and 2) Eliciting cultural and socio-economic information contextualizing bait worms as vectors for AIS; and 3) Intervention, analysis and dissemination of findings.

METHODOLOGY: Diversity of marine macro-organisms associated with baitworms/packing algae will be assessed in three ways: random quadrats in Maine source habitats, bait-boxes sold in Maine, and bait-boxes sold in Mid- Atlantic bait shops, which will be chosen based on advertised sale of live marine worms, proximity to major fishing spots, and geographic location. Organisms will be counted and identified to lowest taxonomic level at three successional stages (spring, summer, fall) and assigned to native, non-indigenous, and cryptogenic categories. For Mid-Atlantic bait-boxes, associated parasites and pathogens (Vibrio cholerae) will also be identified. To avoid underestimating local richness, we will perform rarefaction analyses. We will also experiment with alternative packing materials and will assess whether washing algae prior to shipment reduces abundance/diversity of associated organisms. For the social science component, we will document the marine bait worm socio-ecological system in the Maine to Mid-Atlantic region, then review this socio-ecological system to identify potential intervention points and then elicit and analyze what are the core cultural and socioeconomic factors that will affect implementation of up to three interventions. Finally, we will conduct several surveys of fishers to address: their awareness of introduced species; behavior regarding algal disposal; and whether behavior would change with signage, informational materials, or advisory labeling linked to our intervention strategies.

RATIONALE: Maine polychaetes are used extensively as bait in the Mid-Atlantic; however, no quantitative examination of the baitworm vector has been completed for the region. Dealers ship large quantities of live polychaetes, packed in live algae, to the Mid-Atlantic and globally via over-night services. We will quantify the live macrofauna (i.e., species and phylogenetic diversities) and screen for parasites and Vibrio cholerae in bait containers to understand the risk of species introductions. We will identify opportunities for management interventions of the vector. Given the nature of this vector, results from a Mid-Atlantic study should reflect the risk of introduction to other recipient regions, serving as a model system for understanding numerous similar pathways. Our research will test the viability of alternatives to algae for packaging and will seek to understand behavior of fishermen in disposing of baitworm/algae and whether such behaviors can be affected by clear advisory labels, signage, and informational materials.