Date of the first record

The date of the first documented record of the species occurrence in a country/country region.
Date fields usage example:

Date to be specifiedDate FromDate To
Exact 198519851985
18th century17011800
before 1700 1700
after 20012001 

Environmental position

Environment(s) occupied by a species throughout its life cycle.

OPTIONS:

Biofouling. Assemblage of organisms on wetted artificial substrates.

Commensal. An organism in a symbiotic relationship, in which one benefits while the other is not adversely affected.

Demersal. Synonyms: hyperbenthic, benthopelagic, nektobenthic. An organism living at, in or near the bottom of the sea, but having the ability to swim.

Ectoparasite. A parasite living on the surface of its host.

Endoparasite. A parasite living within the organs or tissues of its host.

Epifaunal. Synonym: epibenthic. An animal inhabiting the surface of the seabed, submerged plants and animals.

Epilithic. An organism living on the surface of rock or other hard inorganic substrata.

Epiphytic. An organism living on the surface of a plant, non-parasitic.

Epizoic. An organism living on the surface of an animal, non-parasitic.

Infaunal. Synonym: endobenthic. An animal living within the seabed sediments.

Interstitial. An organism (< 1 mm) living in the spaces between sediment particles.

Lithotomous. An organism burrowing into rock.

Neustonic. An organism living on (epineuston) or under (hyponeuston) the surface film of water bodies.

Pelagic. An organism inhabiting the water column.

Pleustonic. An organism inhabiting the water surface due to their own buoyancy, normally positioned partly in the water and partly in the air.

Habitat type

Estuary. River mouth, transition zone between riverine and marine environments, subject to influences from both.

Lagoon. Shallow, enclosed water body separated from the sea by barrier islands, narrow spit or reefs.

Offshore. Areas located at least 50 nautical miles from the shore.

Open coast. A coast not sheltered from the sea.

Strait/Sound. Channels between the mainland and an island or between two islands which are open at both ends to the open coast (it does not refer to similar features or narrows within marine inlets).

Sheltered coastal area. Coastal area partly surrounded by land (e.g., bay, inlet, fjord).

Ports. A location on a coast or shore containing one or more harbours where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land.

Port vicinity. The area near a port where ballast water operations may occur, including areas where vessels may conduct ballast water discharge or uptake operations when approaching a port or leaving it, e.g., port approaches, anchorage areas and designated ballast water exchange areas. The dimension is port specific.

Marina. A specially designed harbour for pleasure craft and small boats.

Aquaculture sites. Areas set out for the purpose of farming aquatic organisms.

Marine Protected Area (MPA). Defined marine area where natural resources are given greater protection than the surrounding waters. Different categories exist depending on the level of protection afforded by legislation.

Migration pattern

Diurnal. Movements between alternative habitats over day and night, e.g. vertical migration.

Life-time. One time migration between different habitats during the life cycle, e.g. anadromus migration.

Not relevant. No evidence of any life history cycle stages to migrate.

Seasonal. Movements between alternative habitats during a specific time of a year (e.g., spawning and feeding migrations).

Pathway / Vector

Pathway

A pathway is the route a NIS takes to enter or spread through a non-native ecosystem e.g. vessels. Each pathway may have a number of vectors.

Vector

A vector is a transfer mechanism and is the physical means by which species are transported from one geographic region to another. More than one vector within a pathway may be involved in a transfer of species.

Pathways and vectors included:
PathwayVector
Aquarium tradeIntentional organism release
Transported water
Waste discharge
Culture activitiesAquaculture equipment
Associated water & packaging material
Intercontinental stock movement
Regional stock movement
Unintentional release & escapees
Leisure activitiesAngling catch
Cultural releases
Live bait
Live souvenirs
Sport equipment
Stocking for angling
Waste discharge
Live food tradeIntentional organism release
Transported water
Waste discharge
ManagementBiological habitat management
Construction equipment
Construction materials
Release for biological control
Natural spread from neighboring countriesOther natural vectors
Water currents
Other canalsCanal de Midi (linking the Bay of Biscay with the Mediterranean Sea)
Kiel Canal (linking the North Sea with the Baltic)
Northern waterway (linking the Baltic with the Ponto-Caspian region through Volga river canal system)
Rhone waterway (linking the North Sea with the Mediterranean)
Southern waterway (linking the North Sea with the Black Sea through Danube river canal system)
Central waterway (linking the Baltic Sea with the Black Sea through the Dnieper river canal system)
Other waterways
Irrigation canals
Research and educationGear movement
Intentional releases
Unintentional release & escapees
Waste discharge
Suez Canal 
VesselsAnchor and anchor chain
Ballast tank sediments
Ballast water
Ship’s hull
Sea chest
Others
Wild fisheriesDiscard of by-catch
Fishing gear
Live bait release
Live packaging material
Processed live material
Stock movements
Transported water

Pathway / Vector – Levels of certainty:
LevelCriteriaExamples
Direct evidenceThe species was actually found associated with the specific vector(s) of a pathway at the time of introduction to a particular locality within a country/country region.Documented evidence of an introduction: release to the wild for stocking or biological control; escape/release of live food; import of cultured species and documented findings of their associate organisms, parasites and diseases on transmission; appearance of organisms by hull fouling, ballast water discharge sampling or other ship vectors documented upon an arrival with appropriate scientific methods.
Very likelyThe species appears for the first time in a locality where a single pathway/vector(s) is known to operate and where there is no other explanation that can be argued for its presence except by this likely pathway/vector(s).A highly localized distribution of a species in an area adjacent to an isolated port or other locality where the only pathway is vessels and its vector(s) (ballast water, hull fouling, etc). This often involves geographically discontinuous distributions. It may be a continuous spread as in case of introduction by canals or by natural means. The conclusion is deduced from the analysis of the invasion event and species distribution patterns.
PossibleThe species cannot be convincingly ascribed to a single pathway, but is known to be introduced by this pathway(s) elsewhere.There may be more than one pathway involved in the introduction within a country/country region. Arrival of a species known to have taken place elsewhere by the same pathway(s) which operates in an area. A conclusion is made by expert judgment based on pathways currently or historically present.
UnknownInvasion of a given alien species cannot be clearly explained.Where no rational explanation for the appearance of a species in a given country/region.

Population status

Population status (the lowest level of certainty):

Unknown. There is no reliable information on population status of a species.
Established. A species is known to form a reproducing population in a wild.
Not established. There is no evidence of a species’ reproducing population in a wild.

Population status (the moderate level of certainty):
Extinct/no recent record. There are old records where a species was recorded but have not been seen in the same region since.
Rare/single record. There are only casual observations or a single record of a species'presence available.
Common. A species with successfully reproducing populations in an open ecosystem, which are unlikely to be eliminated by man or natural causes. Not dominating native communities.
Abundant. A species with successfully reproducing populations in an open ecosystem, which are unlikely to be eliminated by man or natural causes. Locally dominating native communities.
Very abundant. A species with successfully reproducing populations in an open ecosystem, which are unlikely to be eliminated by man or natural causes. Largely dominating native communities.
Outbreak. A species undergoing pulse-like, short-term (days to few months) exponential population growth during which they have an adverse effect on one or more of the following: biological diversity, ecosystem functioning, socio-economic values and human health.

Recipient region

The country/region for which introduction is recorded.

References.



References should follow the standard of Biological invasions:


Journal article
Gamelin FX, Baquet G, Berthoin S, Thevenet D, Nourry C, Nottin S, Bosquet L (2009) Effect of high intensity intermittent training on heart rate variability in prepubescent children. Eur J Appl Physiol 105:731-738. doi: 10.1007/s00421-008-0955-8
Ideally, the names of all authors should be provided, but the usage of “et al” in long author lists will also be accepted:
Smith J, Jones M Jr, Houghton L et al (1999) Future of health insurance. N Engl J Med 965:325–329


Article by DOI


Slifka MK, Whitton JL (2000) Clinical implications of dysregulated cytokine production. J Mol Med. doi:10.1007/s001090000086


Book
South J, Blass B (2001) The future of modern genomics. Blackwell, London


Book chapter
Brown B, Aaron M (2001) The politics of nature. In: Smith J (ed) The rise of modern genomics, 3rd edn. Wiley, New York, pp 230-257


Online document
Cartwright J (2007) Big stars have weather too. IOP Publishing PhysicsWeb. http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/11/6/16/1. Accessed 26 June 2007


Dissertation
Trent JW (1975) Experimental acute renal failure. Dissertation, University of California

Reproductive duration

Long. Breeds in one or more discrete periods, each longer than three months.

Medium. Breeds in one or more discrete periods, each longer than a week and less than three months.

Short. Breeds in one or more discrete periods within a week.

Reproductive seasonality

Months for a species known to reproduce in the invaded site.

Salinity range

The exact salinity range if known (psu), else salinity zone(s) according to the Venice system:
1. Limnetic [<0.5psu]
2. β-Oligohaline [0.5-3psu]
3. α-Oligohaline [3-5psu]
4. β-Mesohaline [5-10psu]
5. α-Mesohaline [10-18psu]
6. Polymixohaline [18-30psu]
7. Euhaline [30-40psu]
8. Hypersaline [>40psu]

Source region

The area the species was introduced from to the recipient country/country region. Depending on the information availability may be ascribed to a particular locality (e.g. port), a country, a LME or a larger Ocean region.
CAUTION: in many cases the source area will be not the same as the area of native origin which is defined in the SPECIES block of the database.

Species status

Non-indigenous species. Non-indigenous species (synonyms: alien, exotic, non-native, allochthonous, introduced) are species, subspecies or lower taxa (such as a variety, form) introduced outside of their natural range (past or present) and outside of their natural dispersal potential. This includes any propagule of a NIS, such as a gamete, seed or resting spore, a gravid female or a pair of individuals of different sexes (in sexual reproduction), or a vegetative reproductive organ and section of tissue (in asexual reproduction), which might survive, reproduce and subsequently form a population. It also includes hybrids between an alien species and an indigenous species, fertile polyploid organisms and artificially hybridized species irrespective of their natural range or dispersal potential.

Cryptogenic. Cryptogenic species are such species which cannot be reliably demonstrated as being either introduced or native. In some cases the true origin of a species remains obscure because of either insufficient taxonomic knowledge or due to a lack of records from the time they became introduced, or for other reasons.

Temperature range

Indicate min. and max. annual temperature range in the area where a species is known to maintain an established (reproducing) population.

Wave exposure

Exposed. Open coastline facing prevailing wind and receiving both wind-driven waves and swell.

Semi exposed. Generally open coasts facing away from prevailing winds or sheltered by offshore reefs/structures.

Sheltered. Coasts with a restricted fetch (<20 km) and lacking persistent swell.

Zonation

Ecological zone(s) occupied by a species throughout its life cycle.

Benthic - Bathyal. Synonym: continental slope. The seafloor between the edge of the continental shelf and abyssal plain (200-4000 m).

Benthic - Littoral. Synonym: intertidal. The shore between the high and low water marks.

Benthic - Sublittoral beyond photic zone. Synonym: lower circalittoral. The lower part of the continental shelf, where photosynthesis cannot take place.

Benthic - Sublittoral within photic zone. Synonyms: subtidal, infralittoral. The shallow part of sublittoral where photosynthesis can occur.

Benthic - Supralittoral. Synonyms: splash zone, spray zone, supratidal zone. The area above the spring high tide line, subject spray or splash.

Pelagic - Littoral. Water mass within littoral zone.

Pelagic - Neritic. Water mass above the continental shelf.

Pelagic - Offshore. Synonym: oceanic. Water mass beyond the continental shelf.

Public domain: Introduction event account

Species Ficopomatus enigmaticus  
Date of the first record (?) 1971

References (not structured):
Kilty GM and Guiry MD (1973) Mercierella enigmatica Fauvel (Polychaeta Serpulidae) from Cork Harbour. Irish
Naturalists' Journal 17: 379-381.

Comments:
Found during 1971.
Recipient region (?) Country: Ireland
LME: 24. Celtic-Biscay Shelf
LME sub-region: Celtic seas

References (not structured):
Kilty GM and Guiry MD (1973) Mercierella enigmatica Fauvel (Polychaeta Serpulidae) from Cork Harbour. Irish
Naturalists' Journal 17: 379-381.

Comments:
The first record is from Cork Harbour from the upper less saline regions of the Harbour at Lough Mahon and near the Swansea ferry terminal, with the greatest population being found at Blackrock Castle.
Source region (?) LME: 24. Celtic-Biscay Shelf
--> LME sub-region: Celtic seas

References (not structured):
Kilty GM and Guiry MD (1973) Mercierella enigmatica Fauvel (Polychaeta Serpulidae) from Cork Harbour. Irish
Naturalists' Journal 17: 379-381.

Comments:
All indication are that the population in Ireland originates from the population in Swansea, South Wales.
Pathway / Vector (?) Level of certainty: Direct evidence

Pathway: Vessels
Vector: Ship’s hull

References (not structured):
Mineur F, Cook EJ, Minchin D, Bohn K, Macleod A, Maggs CA (2012) Changing coasts: marine aliens and artificial surfaces. Oceanography and Marine Biology 50:189-234.

Comments:
Worms have frequently been found attached to hulls and the species can tolerate hypersaline conditions and as a result it may be easily transferred in a viable state. More usually the species is associated with low salinity lagoons and estuaries.
Habitat type (?) Estuary
Lagoon
Marina
Ports

References (not structured):
Minchin D (2007) Rapid coastal survey for targeted alien species associated with floating pontoons in Ireland. Aquatic Invasions 2(1): 63-70.
Minchin D, Nunn J (2013) Rapid assessment of marinas for invasive alien species in Northern Ireland. A report undertaken for the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Belfast. 96pp.

Comments:
The worm can occasionally form extensive populations where there is little or no competition.
Wave exposure (?) Sheltered

References (not structured):
Kilty GM and Guiry MD (1973) Mercierella enigmatica Fauvel (Polychaeta Serpulidae) from Cork Harbour. Irish
Naturalists' Journal 17: 379-381.
Minchin D (2007) Rapid coastal survey for targeted alien species associated with floating pontoons in Ireland. Aquatic Invasions 2(1): 63-70.
Minchin D, Nunn J (2013) Rapid assessment of marinas for invasive alien species in Northern Ireland. A report undertaken for the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Belfast. 96pp.

Comments:
All sites in Ireland are sheltered.
Salinity range (?) Venice system:
4. β-Mesohaline [5-10psu]
5. α-Mesohaline [10-18psu]
6. Polymixohaline [18-30psu]

References (not structured):
Minchin D (2007) Rapid coastal survey for targeted alien species associated with floating pontoons in Ireland. Aquatic Invasions 2(1): 63-70.

Comments:
All populations recovered in Ireland were from reduced marine salinity.
Temperature range (?) Unknown
Zonation / Substratum (?) Benthic:
Littoral (Benthic)
Sublittoral within photic zone
Substratum:
Artificial (manmade)
Biogenic (living or nonliving)
Hard (cobbles to bedrock)

Comments:
Worms attach to boat hulls, floating pontoons and to natural rock materials
Reproductive duration (?)Long

References (not structured):
Dixon DR (1981) Reproductive biology of the serpulid Ficopomatus (Mercierella) enigmaticus in the Thanmes Estuary, S.E. England. Journal of the Marine Biological Society of the United Kingdom 61: 805-815.

Comments:
Reproduction clearly takes place but has not been studied in Ireland but in Britain there is a long period during which reproduction takes place. The sexes are made-up of males and females and protandrous haemaphrodites.
Reproductive seasonality (?) Jun.
Jul.
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.

References (not structured):
Dixon DR (1981) Reproductive biology of the serpulid Ficopomatus (Mercierella) enigmaticus in the Thanmes Estuary, S.E. England. Journal of the Marine Biological Society of the United Kingdom 61: 805-815.
Straughan D (1972) Ecological studies of Mercierella enigmatica Fauvel (Annelida: Polychaeta) in the Brisbane River. Journal of Animal Ecology 41(1): 93-136.

Comments:
Peak activity on the Thames is during August and early September. A minimum temperature of 18C is required for reproduction. In Australia reproduction takes place at salinities 7-35psu and takes place during neap tides.
Migration pattern (?) Unknown

Comments:
No migrations known.
Population status (?) Abundant (Moderate level of certainty)

References (not structured):
Minchin D (2007) Rapid coastal survey for targeted alien species associated with floating pontoons in Ireland. Aquatic Invasions 2(1): 63-70.

Comments:
The species is distributed widely and locally can result in significant fouling.
Species status (?) Non-indigenous species

References (not structured):
Fauvel P (1923) Un nouveau serpulien d'eau saumâtre, Mercierella n.g. enigmatica n.sp. Bulletin Société Zoologique de France, 47: 424-430.
Zibrowius H, Thorp CH (1989) A review of the alien serpulid and spirorbid solychaetes in the British Isles. Cahiers de Biologie Marine,30: 271-285.
ten Hove HA (1974) Notes on Hydroides elegans (Haswell, 1883) and Mercierella enigmatica Fauvel, 1923, alien serpulid poychaetes introduced into the Netherlands. Bulletin Zoologisch Museum, Universiteit van Amsterdam 4(6): 45-51.

Comments:
The species was described from northern France by Fauvel (1921) where it was introduced. Its origin would appear to be within the Indo-Pacific region with Australia being a likely native origin. It is known to occur in Tunisia, Argentina, Australia, Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere.
Created byDan Minchin 
Last update byDan Minchin, 2013-11-06
Contributors
Added by Dan Minchin
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-10-13
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-10-19
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-11-04
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-11-06

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