Project

VIABLEGG: Toward reliable viability assessment for resilient life stages of invertebrates in ballast water

Elena Gorokhova

DOI: 10.26303/tr1v-n082

What is it about?

Partners: Stockholm University, Sweden: Elena Gorokhova, Rehab El-Shehawy, Birgitta Liewenborg, and Sandra Sandra Lücke-Johansson. MicroWISE, Denmark: Pia Haecky and Nicholas Blackburn.

Ballast water-mediated transfer of aquatic invasive species is considered a major threat to marine biodiversity, marine industry, and human health. We develop a methodology for viability assessment in eggs and larval stages of aquatic invertebrates. The method is envisioned for high-throughput analysis using commercially available detection systems for ballast water analysis.

Why is it important?

Shipping is the most important pathway for the worldwide distribution of goods. An unintended consequence of this trade is the transport of organisms from one location to another via ballast water carried by vessels. By filling or emptying the ballast tanks, ships maintain stability, compensating for cargo weight and weather conditions. Economic demands lead to bigger and faster ships, which means that more potentially invasive species are transported. With the shorter transport time, they have a higher chance of survival. Whereas various techniques for viability assessment in bacteria, algae, and motile invertebrates are available, there are no reliable methods for detecting viable eggs, larvae, and dormant stages of benthic and pelagic invertebrates. However, these life stages are usually the most resistant, and many invertebrates are invasive and prone to be transported with ballast water. Therefore, including eggs and larval stages in the test battery for the treatment efficiency of ballast water is essential for preventing biological invasions in aquatic systems. The project is funded by the Swedish EPA, Formas, and Swedish Transport Agency.

Perspectives

While some progress has been made in controlling terrestrial invasive species, the high environmental connectivity of and dispersion capacity of species in water makes it more difficult to control biological invasions in the marine environment. We believe that focusing on the preventive strategies via control of ballast water discharges with focus on the resistant organisms is the most efficient way to manage marine invasions.

Elena Gorokhova

Stockholm University

Audience briefings1 total

  • Educator briefing

    Why eggs and larval stage are relevant for ballast water control?

    Shipping is the most important pathway for the worldwide distribution of goods. An unintended consequence of this trade is the transport of organisms from one location to another via ballast water carried by vessels. By filling or emptying the ballast tanks, ships maintain stability, compensating for cargo weight and weather conditions. Economic demands lead to the development of larger and faster ships, which means that more potentially invasive species are transported, and, with the shorter transport time, they have a higher chance of survival.

    Plants, animals, and microorganisms enter ships' ballast tanks when the surrounding water is pumped on board. Planktonic organisms are most common in ballast water, although benthos and nekton can also be taken up. Since nearly every plankton and benthic invertebrate has planktonic life stages, such as eggs, larvae, and cysts, ballast water can spread almost any marine organism. Although a ballast tank presents a hostile environment, some organisms can survive the travel. Not surprisingly, stages that are essential for the natural spread and surviving through harsh seasonal periods also have the best chances to survive the trip in ballast tanks. The IMO’s list of the 10 most unwanted species contains six such invertebrates, whose eggs and larval stages are believed to be the primary invasion means.

Resources4 total

Who is involved?