Ecological effect of a nonnative seagrass spreading in the Northeast Pacific: A review of Zostera japonica

摘要: It is widely accepted that Zostera japonica, a seagrass species native to estuarine and coastal habitats of the Western Pacific Ocean, invaded these same in Eastern early Twentieth Century. Based on supposition this causes harm living regions Washington State, 2012 they started legally allowing local enforcement remove Z. japonica. We executed literature search determine if reviewed studies support contention japonica harms State other locations Northwest region eastern Ocean. found designed quantitatively assess japonica's impact are limited but provide summary suggests increases overall diversity infaunal invertebrates, while decreasing large species, such as Manilla clam ghost shrimp, seagrass, marina. Our finding restricted by lack repeated or long-term sampling effort inadequate treatment important higher order trophic levels commercially harvested study designs. In analysis we demonstrate rigorous scientific investigation needed before generalized policies, potentially influencing ecosystem productivity, adopted.