New Study Reveals Seafloor Litter Contributes to Spread of Invasive Species

Plastic bottle from seabed covered with barnacles

In a recent study examining seafloor litter around the UK, Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) researchers discovered that plastic waste plays a significant role in the spread of invasive species. The study, which analysed 41 litter items from various locations in the Irish Sea, detected populations of two non-native species living on the litter: the warm-water barnacles Austrominius modestus (native to Australia) and Solidobalanus fallax (native to Morocco) were found on multiple litter pieces recovered in trawls.

The findings suggest that seabed litter serves as a settling platform for these invasive species, aiding their proliferation across British waters. Their presence shows the dual threat posed by marine litter: not only does it pollute the ocean, but it can also provide a foothold for non-native species that can disrupt local ecosystems.

The study's lead scientist, Peter Barry, emphasised the urgent need for greater efforts to reduce marine litter. "Our research highlights a critical issue that extends beyond pollution. The seafloor litter is inadvertently helping invasive species spread, which could have serious ecological consequences,".

The findings call for increased awareness and robust measures to address both marine pollution and the control of invasive species. As the study expands to different parts of UK waters and a broader range of litter items, researchers aim to better understand the processes involved and develop strategies to mitigate the impacts.

New Study Reveals Seafloor Litter Contributes to Spread of Invasive Species - Last updated 8.11.24