Modelling of marine debris pathways into UK waters: Example of non-native crustaceans transported across the Atlantic Ocean on floating marine debris

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2023-01, Vol.186, p.114388-114388, Article 114388
• Main Authors: Barry, P.J., Beraud, C., Wood, L.E., Tidbury, H.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Atlantic Ocean; Biodiversity; Crustacea; Environmental Monitoring; Hydrodynamic modelling; Introduced Species; Marine debris; Non-native species; Pathways; Plastics; United Kingdom; Vector; Waste Products - analysis
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114388

The long-distance transfer of non-native, potentially invasive species via floating marine debris is an increasing threat to biodiversity and conservation efforts. To address the lack of understanding around mechanisms and pathways of species transfer via marine debris, a novel modelling approach was applied to recreate the likely trajectory and source of a large piece of debris fouled by non-native species collected from UK marine waters. This approach applied the Oil Spill Contingency and Response (OSCAR) simulation tool, an adapted oil spill modelling programme, which was informed by a combination of biological trait information for the foulant species, marine debris characteristics and hydrodynamic data. The modelling output suggested an origin in the Western Atlantic, a scenario concurrent with the known distribution of the foulant species. This modelling approach represents a valuable tool with which to determine the origin and trajectory of invasive species transferred via marine debris. •Non-native crustaceans found in UK waters on floating marine debris•Biological traits data used to inform hydrodynamic modelling to locate origin•The model predicted a source in Western Atlantic suggesting transoceanic transit.•The new combined approach could help in determining invasion pathways.