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Organic waste and plastic as pathways for invasive species – August 26, 2024

Antarctica, the southernmost continent on Earth, is known for its extreme isolation and pristine environment. However, a new threat has emerged that could potentially disrupt the delicate balance of its unique ecosystems: the arrival of non-native marine species and marine pollution from other continents in the southern hemisphere. A recent study published in the journal Global Change Biology sheds light on the potential risks posed by these invasions and highlights the need for urgent action to protect Antarctica’s fragile ecosystems.

Until recently, scientists believed that non-native species could only reach Antarctica from remote, unpopulated islands in the Antarctic Ocean. However, recent research has shown that these species can also be carried to Antarctic coasts from various parts of the southern hemisphere, including the southern continents. Floating objects such as kelp, driftwood, pumice stone, and even plastic waste serve as vehicles for these non-native species, posing a significant threat to Antarctica’s biodiversity.

One example of a non-native species that could potentially disrupt Antarctic ecosystems is the alga Durvillaea, a type of kelp that can grow over 10 meters in length. This giant seaweed creates forest-like habitats for a variety of small animals, which it carries with it on its travels. If these species become established in Antarctica, they have the potential to cause dramatic changes in the structure and functioning of local marine ecosystems.

To better understand the movement of floating hazards towards Antarctica, researchers used advanced oceanographic modeling to simulate the trajectory of floating objects based on surface current and wave data from 1997-2015. The results of the simulation were alarming, showing that floating objects reached the coast of Antarctica every year. This constant influx of floating material poses a continuous threat to local ecosystems, with most objects being deposited at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, a region particularly vulnerable to colonization by non-native species.

Antarctica’s ice sheet has historically acted as a natural barrier, protecting the continent from biological invasions. However, recent research indicates that the size of the ice sheet has significantly decreased in recent years, potentially making Antarctica more susceptible to colonization by non-native species. This trend underscores the urgent need for increased monitoring and protection of Antarctic ecosystems to prevent irreversible damage to local biodiversity.

As global temperatures rise and human activity continues to impact the natural environment, the risks to isolated and delicate regions like Antarctica grow exponentially. Protecting this unique continent requires enhanced international cooperation and proactive measures to prevent biological invasions and reduce marine pollution. By safeguarding Antarctica’s biodiversity and ecological functions, we can ensure the preservation of this pristine wilderness for future generations.

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