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The Recent Spread of an Invasive Kelp, Undaria Pinnatifida , in California: How Similar is This Invasion to Other Undaria Invasions Worldwide?
Author(s) -
Thornber C. S.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of phycology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.85
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1529-8817
pISSN - 0022-3646
DOI - 10.1111/j.0022-3646.2003.03906001_161.x
Subject(s) - kelp , biology , invasive species , ecology , habitat , herbivore , population , introduced species , fishery , kelp forest , grazing , demography , sociology
Invasive algal species have the potential to change the structure and ecology of native algal communities. One well‐known invader, the large Japanese kelp Undaria pinnatifida , has recently become established at several locations along the central and southern California coast (Monterey, Santa Barbara, Catalina, and others). Previous to its introduction in the northeastern Pacific, Undaria has become established along the coastlines of several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, England, and France. However, the seasonal population dynamics, rate of spread, and impact on local communities at each invasion site varies. Undaria in the Santa Barbara, CA harbor exhibits two distinct recruitment pulses per year (fall, late winter), with nonoverlapping generations of adult individuals. Individuals can grow rapidly and become reproductive a month after appearing as recruits (2–3 cm long), indicating a potential for rapid spread. However, Undaria may be effectively controlled by grazing via natural recruitment of the kelp crab Pugettia producta. However, Undaria invasions in other California invasions have not been controlled by herbivory, and Undaria populations in these areas have the potential to compete with a wide diversity of native California kelp species for habitat space and light.