Modelling of marine debris pathways into UK waters: Example of non-native crustaceans transported across the Atlantic Ocean on floating marine debris

P. J. Barry*, C. Beraud, L. E. Wood, H. J. Tidbury

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

The long-distance transfer of non-native, potentially invasive species via floating marine debris is an increasing threat to biodiversity and conservation efforts. To address the lack of understanding around mechanisms and pathways of species transfer via marine debris, a novel modelling approach was applied to recreate the likely trajectory and source of a large piece of debris fouled by non-native species collected from UK marine waters. This approach applied the Oil Spill Contingency and Response (OSCAR) simulation tool, an adapted oil spill modelling programme, which was informed by a combination of biological trait information for the foulant species, marine debris characteristics and hydrodynamic data. The modelling output suggested an origin in the Western Atlantic, a scenario concurrent with the known distribution of the foulant species. This modelling approach represents a valuable tool with which to determine the origin and trajectory of invasive species transferred via marine debris.

Original languageEnglish
Article number114388
Number of pages6
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume186
Early online date29 Nov 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2023

Keywords

  • Hydrodynamic modelling
  • Marine debris
  • Non-native species
  • Pathways
  • Vector
  • UKRI
  • NERC
  • NE/V009516/1

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