Assessing non-native species in the antartic marine benthic environment

Abstract

Bioinvasion is one of the biggest global threats to biodiversity. In the light of climate change, related risks could be increased. In this context, Antarctica is not immune. Exotic species have been introduced into many other isolated ecosystems worldwide and have already been recorded in the sub-Antarctica islands. However, the pool of information concerning the marine environments is too scarce up to the present. This study has investigated the pathways of alien species introduction in the Antarctic marine environment, as a consequence of scientific research, tourism and fishing activities, including the areas of Antarctica vulnerable to bioinvasion. In addition, biogeographic patterns of the some species recorded over the Brazilian program PROANTAR (Phylum Mollusca, Echinodermata, Annelida) have been surveyed. The area of the scientific stations and temporary shelters, which are built in ice-free locations in the summer located mainly in southwestern part of King George Island, close to the Bransfield Strait. The Bellingshausen, President Eduardo Frei Montalva and Arctowski Henryk bases are the oldest in operation. President Eduardo Frei Montalva, King Sejong and Artigas have the largest contingent of people in the summer. Maxwell Bay and Admiralty Bay have the highest number of tourist spots, although King George Bay has the highest tourist landed number. The phylum Artropoda has the greatest biodiversity in the marine environment of Admiralty Bay. The phylum Annelida has the lowest percentage taxa identified to species. Annelida and Artropoda have the highest percentage of endemic species, when only the Antarctic bioregion is considered. On the other hand, Mollusca was the phylum with the highest percentage of species with disjoint distribution.