Research Publications: UM-SG-RS-2007-19

Share:

Title:

Non-native bryozoans in coastal embayments of the Southern United States: New records for the western Atlantic.

Year:

2007

Authors:

McCann, LD; Hitchcock, NG; Winston, JE; Ruiz, GM

Source:

Bulletin of Marine Science
80 ( 2 ) : 319 - 342

Abstract:

Bryozoans are among the most common fouling organisms in coastal marine environments around the world, yet their distribution in many coastal areas is not well known. We surveyed the bryozoans in shallow coastal estuaries in the southern United States, focusing on Texas and Florida. We deployed settlement plates across six different estuaries at 61 sites. Thirty-five species of bryozoans were identified, including four non-native species described here for the first time from the United States: Hippoporina indica (Pillai, 1978), Electra bengalensis (Stoliczka, 1869), Sinoflustra annae (Osburn, 1953), and Celleporaria pilaefera (Canu and Bassler, 1929). At all six estuaries, non-native species were among the most common bryozoans. Hippoporina indica was the most abundant bryozoan, occurring in all estuaries sampled. In Jacksonville, Florida, E. bengalensis and S. annae dominated both the numbers and biomass of bryozoans. All four species have probable Indo-West Pacific origins. A literature-based analysis identified 39 additional non-native species of marine invertebrates and algae already established in the region, and over half are considered to have an Indo-West Pacific origin. Ships from Asia are regular visitors to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, providing a possible mechanism of introduction for the non-native bryozoans.

Related Research Project(s) Funded by Maryland Sea Grant:

Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s):

'Related Research Project(s)' link to details about research projects funded by Maryland Sea Grant that led to this publication. These details may include other impacts and accomplishments resulting from the research.

'Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s)' links to related pages on the Maryland Sea Grant website.

The Blue Crab: Callinectes Sapidus

An essential resource for researchers, students, and managers.  Get your copy today!

pile of cooked crabs