The ignored stowaways: worldwide dispersion of exotic microalgae species through the biofouling recovering the ships underwater body

摘要: Invasion by introduced species cause huge environmental damage and economic (estimated in $138 billion USA). Marine ecosystems are specially affected of toxin-producing microalgae. Ships ballast water has been considered the major vector dispersion phytoplankton. However, most ships do not use water. Alternatively, we propose that biofouling recovering underwater body is main microalgal dispersion. Antifouling paints (containing tributyltin, TBT or other toxics) used to coat bottoms prevent biofouling. After sampling demonstrate numerous coastal, oceanic microalgae proliferates attached on directly antifouling paint. These should be resistant variants because rapidly destroy sensitive wild type Consequently, key explain