This study was published in PNAS on June 65438+ 10/0 local time.
It is reported that researchers have identified 158 1 ports connected with Antarctica, and indicated that all ports may become potential sources of non-native species. These species-including mussels, barnacles, crabs and algae-attach to the hull, a process known as "biological pollution". This discovery shows that they can reach Antarctic waters from almost anywhere in the world.
"Invasive non-native species are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity in Antarctica-their native species have been isolated for the past 65,438+5-30 million years," said David Aldridge, a senior author of the study and a professor of zoology at Cambridge University. "They may also have an economic impact by destroying the fishing industry."
"The species growing on the hull are determined by where they have been. We found that the port network visited by fishing boats operating in Antarctic waters is quite limited, but tourism and supply ships are all over the world, "said Arlie McCarthy, a researcher at the Department of Zoology of Cambridge University and the British Antarctic Survey. He is the first author of the research report.
It is found that research ships stay in Antarctic ports longer than tour captains, while fishing boats and supply ships stay even longer on average. Previous studies have shown that a longer residence time will increase the possibility of introducing non-native species.
Because of their remoteness and isolation, many species are Antarctic wild animals, and they have not evolved tolerance. For example, mussels can grow on the hull. If they are accidentally introduced to Antarctica, they have no competitors there at present. Shallow water crabs will introduce a new way of predation, which Antarctic animals have never encountered before.
McCarthy pointed out: "We are surprised to find that Antarctica has more global connections than previously thought." "Our results show that biosafety measures need to be implemented in a wider area than at present."
In addition, she added: "There are strict regulations to prevent non-native species from entering Antarctica, but the success of these regulations depends on whether there is information to inform management decisions. We hope that our discovery will improve our ability to find invasive species before they become a problem. "
It is understood that this new study combines the verified port docking data with the original satellite observation of ship activities south of latitude 20 14-20 18 -60. The data show that ships sail most frequently between Antarctica and ports in southern South America, northern Europe and the western Pacific.
The Southern Ocean around Antarctica is the most isolated marine environment on earth. It supports the unique combination of plants and animals and is the only marine area in the world without any known invasive species. In this area, more and more ship activities will aggravate the threat of accidental introduction of non-native species.
Large-scale krill fisheries in the Antarctic Ocean may also be destroyed by invasive species coming by boat. Krill is the main ingredient of fish food used in global aquaculture, and krill oil is widely sold as a dietary supplement.
"Biosafety measures to protect Antarctica, such as cleaning the hull, are currently concentrated in a small number of recognized' gateway ports'. Professor Lloyd Peck, a researcher from the British Antarctic Survey, pointed out, "With these new findings, we call for improving biosafety protocols and environmental protection measures to protect Antarctic waters from non-native species, especially when the ocean temperature continues to rise due to climate change. "It is reported that Professor Peck participated in this research.