How does propagule pressure influence the distribution of invasive marine invertebrates?
Biological invasions occur when species are transported beyond their native regions and establish themselves in distant ecosystems. The continual increase of successful biological invasions is now recognized as one of the world's most serious conservation issues. In marine systems, successful invasion occurs when propagules (generally free swimming larva) are able to colonise new areas outside their native ranges, often overcoming environmental, chemical and biotic pressures experienced from shipping paints, salinity/temperature changes, and biological resistance from the receiving community.

 

The intensity and frequency of these arriving propagules is termed 'Propagule Pressure'. Within the scientific literature, strong calls have been made for the inclusion of propagule pressure into current ecological models. I am currently using sessile marine invertebrates to investigate several key aspects of invasion ecology, including;