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Article
Ports and Pests: Assessing the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species Introduced by Maritime Shipping Activity in Cuba
Marine Pollution Bulletin
  • Charleen O'Brien, Nova Southeastern University
  • Matthew W. Johnston, Nova Southeastern University
  • David Kerstetter, Nova Southeastern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2017
Keywords
  • Port Mariel,
  • Cuba,
  • Shipping pathways,
  • Maritime trade,
  • Threat assessment,
  • Aquatic invasive species
Abstract

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are biological pollutants that cause detrimental ecological, economic, and human-health effects in their introduced communities. With increasing globalization through maritime trade, ports are vulnerable to AIS exposure via commercial vessels. The Cuban Port of Mariel is poised to become a competitive transshipment hub in the Caribbean and the intent of this study was to evaluate present and potential impacts AIS pose with the likely future increase in shipping activity. We utilized previous assessment frameworks and publicly accessible information to rank AIS by level of threat. Fifteen AIS were identified in Cuba and one, the Asian green mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), had repeated harmful economic impacts. Five species associated with trade partners of Port Mariel were considered potentially detrimental to Cuba if introduced through shipping routes. The results presented herein identify species of concern and emphasize the importance of prioritizing AIS prevention and management within Cuba.

Comments

©2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ORCID ID
0000-0002-4440-8767
ResearcherID
I-5396-2012
DOI
10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.07.071
Citation Information
Charleen O'Brien, Matthew W. Johnston and David Kerstetter. "Ports and Pests: Assessing the Threat of Aquatic Invasive Species Introduced by Maritime Shipping Activity in Cuba" Marine Pollution Bulletin (2017) p. 1 - 11 ISSN: 0025-326X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/david-kerstetter/95/