Three new non-native species found in Prince William Sound

A recent survey in Prince William Sound identified three new non-native species, including the newly discovered Monocorophium acherusicum, which may spread due to its adaptability to local conditions, prompting recommendations for ongoing monitoring and prevention efforts.

Comment from Gemini:

Several previous LEO Network posts highlight the vulnerability of Alaskan waters to invasive species and the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage them. Reports document the establishment and spread of the European black slug in areas like Girdwood and Whittier (https://leonetwork.org/posts/show/238E7B94-240B-42A4-A06A-653A7DF440EA, https://leonetwork.org/posts/show/7FC784BE-CD04-4305-8651-69A14451B1E1), raising concerns about their potential impact on local ecosystems. Other posts detail the discovery of Japanese skeleton shrimp in Unalaska (https://leonetwork.org/posts/show/F55E08C6-A897-4151-AC28-FFF2AF440F94), emphasizing the role of shipping and human activities in the introduction and dispersal of these species. The discovery of a new invasive tunicate species in Sitka (https://leonetwork.org/posts/show/856579BC-79C7-4052-A39C-437E39D74B09) further underscores the need for vigilance and rapid response. The concern over potential European green crab invasion, highlighted in another post (https://leonetwork.org/posts/show/59E4B029-873F-4B6C-A457-F71D49E69646), demonstrates the potential for significant ecological damage by invasive species and the importance of preventative measures. Finally, a post discussing a bill introduced to the Alaska legislature (https://leonetwork.org/posts/show/6A322BA0-3FF0-4826-A535-B0C9F63A874C) illustrates the policy efforts underway to address the invasive species challenge in Alaska. The current observation of three non-native species in Prince William Sound adds to this growing body of evidence regarding the introduction and establishment of non-native species in Alaska, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring and management efforts to protect the region's unique biodiversity. The fact that all three species were found at a ferry dock with higher average temperatures and salinity aligns with research suggesting that climate change might facilitate the spread and establishment of non-native species by altering environmental conditions. (See, for example, "Climate Change and Invasive Species: Evidence, Impacts and Management," https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rstb.2021.0052).