Publication Date:
2019-07-17
Description:
For centuries human populations have moved live shellfish around the world for consumption or
aquaculture purposes; being relayed from their area of origin for growout or sale. This is in contrast to
the inadvertent anthropogenic spreading of species via e.g. ballast waters. There are inherent risks
associated with transfer of shellfish including introducing of alien species, diseases, pests, bacteria and
viruses associated with the translocated species in addition to the potential impact on genetic integrity
and biodiversity of local stocks. Many examples of severe ecological impacts have been documented
worldwide owing to the intentional or unintentional translocation of animals. It is therefore important to
develop risk reduction methods which have not yet been documented to be incorporated into current
fish health or environmental legislation. This part of the study describes the impacts of transfer activities
of cultured bivalve shellfish along the European Atlantic coast; identifies hitch hiker species, fouling
organisms or infectious agents which can be translocated with a target species. Further, the study
highlights the need for thorough, standard risk reduction measures designed to minimise the impact on
ecosystems worldwide. In a companion paper details of actual transfer activities in Atlantic Europe are
presented and all levels of legislation dealing with transfer activities on a global, regional and national
scale are carefully reviewed.
Repository Name:
EPIC Alfred Wegener Institut
Type:
Article
,
isiRev
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