Abstract
Accelerating spread of exotic species threatens ecosystems globally. The factors controlling invasion potential are well understood on land, but far less so in the oceans. The arrival of the invasive Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in Sweden has been accompanied rising seawater temperatures. Crassostrea has invaded ecologically and economically important beds of the native blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). Negative impacts have been documented and stakeholders are concerned that the invasion may spread, and that blue mussels and the ecosystem services they provide are now threatened. Our ability to manage this threat is limited by our poor understanding of the potential for further spread of Crassostrea, the capacity of both recipient and invading species to adapt to climate change, and the broader consequences of this invasion for native mussel beds. This project will fill these knowledge gaps by documenting the effects of marine climate change (increased temperature, increased ocean acidification, and reduced salinity) on the reproductive capacity and adaptive potential of Mytilus and Crassostrea. These data will be used to build environmental niche models from which risk of further spread will be estimated. This will provide an invaluable foundation for management of current and future risks to coastal ecosystems.
Sweden