Meeting Abstract

S10.5  Wednesday, Jan. 6  Impacts and consequences of an invasive ecosystem engineer, Crassostrea gigas PADILLA, D.K.; Stony Brook University dianna.padilla@sunysb.edu

The introduction of non-native species is presently one of the most important anthropogenic impacts on natural communities around the globe. Once introduced, species are difficult if not impossible to remove, and can spread and have wide-ranging impacts in areas distant from their original source of introduction. This is especially true for species with dispersal larvae, including aquaculture species such as the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, the most widely cultured bivalve in the world. Similarly, ecosystem engineers are readily recognized to have important impacts on systems where they inhabit. Thus introduced species that are ecosystem engineers are predicted to have extremely large impacts on the systems they invade. Although Crassostrea gigas does not generally build reefs like other oysters, it is an engineering species. It modifies the substrate and space for other species, displacing some and offering habitat for others. In addition, it can alter the thermal environment experienced by associated species, potentially altering species-species interactions and local biodiversity. The directions and types of impacts of this ecosystem engineer are also density, habitat and site specific, and may provide an opportunity for us to determine more general drivers of patterns of diversity and interactions in the communities they invade.