Invasion in tidal zones on complex coastlines modelling larvae of the non-native clam ruditape philippinarum in the UK

Herbert, R. and Willis, J. and Jones, E. and Ross, K. and Hübner, R. and Humphreys, J. and Jensen, A. and Baugh, J. (2012) Invasion in tidal zones on complex coastlines modelling larvae of the non-native clam ruditape philippinarum in the UK. Journal of Biogeography.

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Official URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-...

Abstract

Aim To evaluate whether natural larval transport and behaviour alone can explain the pattern of invasion and establishment of the non-indigenous Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve, 1850), and its spread beyond the point of introduction in the UK. Location The study is focused on Poole Harbour, south England, the point of introduction of the Manila clam in the UK. Methods We use fine-resolution hydrodynamic models coupled with a water salinity model and an individual behaviour model of Manila clam larvae. The model was informed by experimental studies on the vertical response of larvae to salinity and field studies of the species in its natural and new environments. Results Variations in the behavioural response of larvae to salinity in the model considerably affected the retention of clam larvae within the harbour. High levels of predicted larval retention occurred in two of five zones in the harbour when the salinity target was set at 17 practical salinity units. Persistently high densities of adult clams and recruits are accurately predicted in these regions. Main conclusions Even within a relatively small region such as Poole Harbour, there is both localized retention of larvae or ‘closed’ areas and areas that are considerably more ‘open’ and potentially connected. The behavioural response of larvae to salinity significantly affected the degree of retention and ‘openness’ of the harbour to this species. Although, through natural transport, larvae could theoretically reach the next available habitat within the duration of their pelagic stage our study indicates that areas of sufficiently reduced salinity may be necessary for sufficient retention, recruitment and establishment of new adult populations in estuaries. High resolution hydrodynamic models, coupled with larval behaviour, can accurately simulate and predict biological invasion along complex coastlines and contribute to risk assessment of the introduction of non-indigenous species for aquaculture and spatial management of marine protection.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: Maritime > General
Coasts > General
Divisions: Coastal
Maritime
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email i.services@hrwallingford.com
Date Deposited: 02 Apr 2020 09:49
Last Modified: 19 May 2020 10:35
URI: http://eprints.hrwallingford.com/id/eprint/855

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