Non-Native Species in the Ponto-Caspian Seas

Gaining some momentum in the early 18th century, accelerating in the 19th century, and culminating in the second half of the 20th century, a sharp increase in the number of non-native animal and plant species introduced to foreign ecosystems, terrestrial and aquatic alike, occurred. In marine systems, they appeared in the pelagic as well as in near-shore zones. Like an infection, this process rapidly spread globally. Currently, the “spontaneous” appearance of invasive, non-native species in various taxonomic groups, ranging from algae and protozoa to fishes, and their naturalization to new biotopes has become like an epidemic to coastal regions of the World Ocean, inland seas, and to brackish and freshwater systems as well. This book provides a comprehensive synthesis of all aspects regarding the non-native species in the Ponto-Caspian seas, including their introduction, naturalization, geographical distribution and consequences for native biota with special attention to gelatinous species. Highlighting important research findings, this book provides an overview of the invasion process from transportation patterns and reasons for establishment success to ecological impacts and role of abiotic factors and climate change. In this monograph, the following aspects are covered: - Verification of non-native species in the Ponto-Caspian seas by means of the genetic analyses of target species; - Identification of the main pathways and vectors of invasions; - Determination of the factors that render a basin suitable for the establishment of invaders; - Revealing of species capable for successful establishment in the new basin and further expansion, and qualities allowing this species to establish in new biotopes; - Assessment of non-native species role in the ecosystem and determination of effects upon the ecosystems of the recipient basins; - Analysis of the after-effects of the invasion of the new species: why some species cause an absolute degradation of the ecosystem, while others may provide its restoration; why some species replace valuable native species, while the other may lead to an enrichment of the ecosystem; - Impact of abiotic environmental factors and climate change on non-native species. Increasing awareness of the problems associated with invasions of non-native species in Ponto-Caspian seas has led to rapid growth in research on this topic. This book provides updated summary of this fast-growing field of research, and is an essential text for established researchers, undergraduate and graduate students.