Invasive species threaten critical habitats, oyster among victims

ScienceDaily (Aug. 10, 2009) — A study of oyster reefs in a once-pristine California coastal estuary found them devastated by invasive Atlantic Coast crabs and snails, providing new evidence of the consequences when human activities move species beyond their natural borders. Led by marine biologist David L. Kimbro, now of The Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory, the study shows that in Tomales Bay, half the population of California’s native Olympia oyster has perished because its habitat has fallen victim to the dysfunctional relationship between native species and non-native ones accidentally introduced. The work of Kimbro, a postdoctoral associate at the FSU lab, and colleagues from the University of California-Davis and its Bodega Marine Laboratory has magnified concerns that predator-prey mismatches between native and exotic species may lead to further losses of critical habitats that support marine biodiversity and ecosystems. “What David Kimbro’s research reveals about California’s Olympia oyster raises a specter for Florida as well,” said Felicia Coleman, director of the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory. “First, our state has a remarkably productive native oyster population at risk in the Apalachicola Bay,” she said. “These oysters are sustainably harvested and provide critically important settlement habitat for an amazing array of species, so its loss would be devastating. Second, we know that in Florida’s benign climate, exotic species are pretty easily established. One need only follow the trajectories of lionfish, Australian pine, Brazilian pepper and Burmese python for a grim view through the looking glass.” …