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 Dreissena polymorpha  
Date of the first record (?) 1993

References (not structured):
McCarthy TK, Fitzgerald J, O'Connor W, (1998) The occurrence of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas. 1771), an introduced biofouling freshwater bivalve in Ireland. Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 25(12),413-415.
Minchin D, Moriarty C (1998) Distribution of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) in Ireland, 1997. The Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 26(1-2): 38-42.
Minchin D (1999) Dispersal of zebra mussels in Ireland. Verhandlungen Internationale Vereiningung Limnologie, 27: 1576-1579.

Comments:
It most probably arrived in 1993 or 1994 to the southern part of Lough Derg. Larvae were carried downstream to Limerick Port and upstream on the hulls of leisure craft.
Recipient region (?) Country: Ireland
LME: 24. Celtic-Biscay Shelf
LME sub-region: Celtic seas

References (not structured):
Minchin D, Moriarty C (1998) Zebra mussels in Ireland. Fisheries Leaflet 177, Marine Institute, Dublin. 11pp.

Comments:
The seminal inoculation would appear to be the lower region of Lough Derg.
Source region (?) Not entered

References (not structured):
Kerney MP, Morton BS (1970) The distribution of Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) in Britain. Journal of Conchology, 27:97-100.
PolIux B, Minchin D, Van der Velde G, Van Allen T, Moon-Van der Staay SY, Hackstein J (2003) Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Ireland, AFLP- fingerprinting and boat traffic both suggest an origin from Britain. Freshwater BioIogy, 48, 1127-1138.

Comments:
The genetic, and on-the-road, evidence is that the zebra mussel was introduced on the hulls of leisure craft from the midlands of Britain.
Pathway / Vector (?) Level of certainty: Direct evidence

Pathway: Vessels
Vector: Ship’s hull

References (not structured):
Pollux B, Minchin D, Van der Velde G, Van Allen T, Moon-Van der Staay SY, Hackstein J (2003) Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Ireland, AFLP- fingerprinting and boat traffic both suggest an origin from Britain. Freshwater BioIogy, 48, 1127-1138.
Minchin D, Maguire C, Rosell R (2003) The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Pallas invades lreland: human mediated vectors and the potential for rapid international dispersal, Biology and Environment, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin 103B No 1, 23-30.
100. Minchin D, Lucy F, Sullivan M (2002) Zebra mussel: impacts and spread. In: Invasive Aquatic Species of Europe: Distribution, Impact and Management. (eds): Leppäkoski, E., Gollasch, S. & Olenin, S. Kluwer Press, 135-146.

Comments:
Leisure craft hull fouling is the route that mussels arrived in Ireland after being known in Britain since 1824.
Habitat type (?) Estuary
Marina
Ports

References (not structured):
Minchin D, Lucy F, Sullivan M (2006) Ireland: a new frontier for the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas). Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies. 34 (Supplement 1) pp 19-30.

Comments:
Widely distributed and more abundant in lakes than rivers.
Wave exposure (?) Semi exposed
Sheltered

References (not structured):
Minchin D, Lucy F, Sullivan M (2006) Ireland: a new frontier for the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas). Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies. 34 (Supplement 1) pp 19-30.

Comments:
All sites where the species have been found are within lakes, rivers and estuaries.
Salinity range (?) Venice system:
1. Limnetic [<0.5psu]
2. β-Oligohaline [0.5-3psu]

References (not structured):
Minchin D, Moriarty C (2002) Zebra mussels and their impact in Ireland, [in:] Biological Invaders: the impact of exotic species, Royal Irish Academy, Dublin, 72-78.

Comments:
Occurs in Limerick Port in the dock areas where salinities attain 2psu.
Temperature range (?) Min: 1
Max: 27

Comments:
The range of temperatures in the Shannon System range from 1-27C (unpublished DM)
Zonation / Substratum (?) Benthic:
Sublittoral beyond photic zone
Sublittoral within photic zone
Substratum:
Artificial (manmade)
Biogenic (living or nonliving)
Hard (cobbles to bedrock)
Soft (mud to pebbles)

References (not structured):
Sullivan M, Lucy F, Minchin D (2002) The association between zebra mussels and aquatic plants in the Shannon River system, lreland. Aquatic Invaders, 13 (4), 6-9.
Minchin D, Moriarty C (2002) Zebra mussels and their impact in Ireland, [in:] Biological Invaders: the impact of exotic species, Royal Irish Academy, Dublin, 72-78.

Comments:
It was associated with aquatic plants particularly during the expansion phase. It attaches to all firm substrata from small shell fragments at depths of 37m to floating pontoons, piles, concrete structures, pipework, boat hulls, stones and bedrock.
Reproductive duration (?)Medium

References (not structured):
Juhel G, Culloty S, O’Riordan RM, O’Connor J, de Faoite L, McNamara R (2003) A histological study of the gametogenic cycle of the freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, (Pallas, 1771) in Lough Derg, Ireland. Journal of Molluscan Studies 69(4):365-373.

Comments:
Mussels are capable of reproducing from 6mm shell length and may become mature during their first year.
Reproductive seasonality (?) May
Jun.
Jul.
Aug.

References (not structured):
Minchin D, Gollasch S (2003) Fouling and ships' hulls: how changing circumstances and spawning events may result in the spread of exotic species. Biofouling, 19: 111-122.
Juhel G, Culloty S, O’Riordan RM, O’Connor J, de Faoite L, McNamara R (2003) A histological study of the gametogenic cycle of the freshwater mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, (Pallas, 1771) in Lough Derg, Ireland. Journal of Molluscan Studies, 69:365-373. :111-122.

Comments:
Once temperatures attain 15C spawning is generally extensive but there are indications that spawning can take place at 13C have been noted.
Migration pattern (?) Unknown

References (not structured):
Lucy FE, Minchin D, Boelens R (2008) From lakes to rivers: downstream larval dispersal of Dreissena polymorpha in Irish river basins. Aquatic Invasions 3(3): 297-304.

Comments:
The downstream transport of larvae takes place with settlement taking place at varied distances according to the size of the river. Mussels attached to Cladophora and drifting macrophytes can be wind borne to different lake regions and downstream.
Population status (?) Very abundant (Moderate level of certainty)

References (not structured):
Minchin D, Lucy F, Sullivan M (2002) Monitoring of zebra mussels in the Shannon-Boyle navigation, other navigable regions and principal Irish lakes, 2000 & 2001. Marine Environment and Health Series No 5 Marine Institute, Dublin 17pp.
Rosell R., McCarthy T .K, Maguire K, 1999, First settlement of zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha in the Erne system, Co Fermanagh. Northern lreland. Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 98B (3), 191-193.
Minchin D (2003) The zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) extends its range westwards in Ireland. Bulletin of the Irish Biogeographical Society, 27: 176-182.
Minchin D, Maguire C, Rosell R (2003) The zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) Pallas invades Ireland: Human-mediated vectors and the potential for rapid intranational dispersal. Biology and Environment: Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, 103B No 1 23-30.
Lucy F, Sullivan M, Minchin D (2005) Nutrient levels and the zebra mussel population in Lough Key. Environmental Protection Agency. Environmental Research Technological Development and Innovation Report Series No 34, 25pp.
Minchin D, Lucy F, Sullivan M (2006) Ireland: a new frontier for the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas). Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies. 34 (Supplement 1) pp 19-30.
Minchin D, Zaiko A (in press) Variability of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) impacts in the Shannon River system. In: T. Nelapa and D. Schlosser (eds) Quagga and zebra mussels: biology, impacts and control. Taylor and Francis.
Pollux B, Minchin D, Van der Velde G, Van Allen T, Moon-Van der Staay SY, Hackstein J (2003) Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in Ireland, AFLP- fingerprinting and boat traffic both suggest an origin from Britain. Freshwater Biology 48: 1127-1138.
Conn DB, Simpson SE, Minchin D, Lucy FE (2008) Occurrence of Conchophtheirus acuminatus (Protista: Ciliophora) in Dreissena polymorpha (Mollusca: Bivalvia) along the River Shannon, Ireland. Biological Invasions 10: 149-156.
Burlakova L, Padilla DK, Karatayev AY, Minchin D (2006) Endosymbionts of Dreissina polymorpha in Ireland: evidence for the introduction of adult mussels. Journal of Molluscan Studies, 72: 207–210.
Minchin D (2003) The zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) extends its range westwards in Ireland. Bulletin of the Irish Biogeographical Society, 27: 176-182.

Comments:
The species within lakes can attain total dominance over firm substrata whether natural or anthropogenic. The species becomes discharged to the sea as larvae with downstream purges and has been found in Limerick dock and in the Grand Canal Basin a dock in Dublin Port. The species continues to expand its range in Ireland with overland movement of fouled leisure craft to alkaline lakes. The mussel was introduced as adults to Ireland as can evaluated with the introduction of its commensals.
Species status (?) Non-indigenous species

References (not structured):
van der Velde G, Rajagopal S, bij de Vaate A (eds) (2010) The Zebra Mussel in Europe. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden Margraf Publishers, Weikersheim. 555 pp.

Comments:
The original distribution was within the Ponto-Caspian region and the species has extended its spread by means of canals that have been developed since the 1700s, with exports of timber and with overland transmission of leisure craft.
Created byDan Minchin, 2011-11-08
Last update byDan Minchin, 2013-11-06
Contributors
Added by Dan Minchin, 2011-11-08
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-10-13
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-10-21
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-11-04
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-11-06

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