A study by the researchers at Tel Aviv have noted that marine vessels plying through the Mediterranean Sea are unsuspecting carriers of invasive species. The marine invertebrates are transported from their native environment and discharged in new territory.
The research was conducted by Mey-Tal Gewing, of TAU’s School of Zoology and led by Dr. Noa Shenkar, also of TAU’s Department of Zoology and of The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History and Israel National Center for Biodiversity Studies. It was recently published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin.
Hitchhiking a ride:
“These organisms are well known in the US and Canada,” Dr. Shenkar said. “In Israel, they are passing through the Suez Canal, latching onto ropes and the bottom of the ship. They’re filter feeders, so they cover and clog every surface they latch onto, creating a lot of drag for the ship and damaging marine biodiversity in their new environments. They’re a major threat to our coasts and are very costly to ship owners.”
Inspection carried on 45 vessels:
45 vessels were inspected by the researchers from various shipyards in Israel. Both Navy and Commercial vessels were considered for inspection. From the research it has been found that even though Navy vessels are cleaned every 6 months they are more prone to invasion attacks when compared to commercial vessels which are cleaned every two years.
Dr.Shenkar said, “Military vessels are cleaned every six months but are not being properly cleaned for these invasive species. These species hide on the sea chest, under the bottom of the boat. Maintenance for commercial ships is much more thorough, including repainting and hosing down every nook and cranny of the vessel.”
Recommendations by the research team:
Dr. Shenkar has recommended that all areas of the vessels to be checked thoroughly. The team has also suggested the bottom of the boats to be coated with silicon-based paint, to which larvae can’t attach, to cover areas such as the sea chest.
Influence of ocean temperature:
The research team have also found a correlation to seawater temperatures. “As temperatures rise, so too do the ascidians’ numbers,” said Dr. Shenkar. “We recommend conducting maintenance before the warm season begins. Early detection and rapid response are essential when a new potential nuisance species is discovered.”
Discovery of new species:
The scientists have discovered a marine species native to the Caribbean region. The team has also suggested that monitoring of vessels are efficient in detection of invasive species.
“Our research is an example of the great cooperation that needs to exist between academia and commercial interests to form a realistic recommendation related to what is actually happening in the field,” Dr. Shenkar said.
The researchers are currently working with policymakers in Israel and the European Union to tailor environmental protection measures that would ward off non-indigenous ascidians.
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Source: American Friends of Tel Aviv University
