Tracing patterns of vessel movement - understanding secondary spread of fouling marine invasive non-native species

The introduction of non-native species (NNS) can act as a driver of change in marine systems, negatively affecting species and habitats and contribute to ecosystem degradation.

Invasive NNS can also create economic impacts for marine industries and affect the way in which people interact with the environment.

Preventing the spread of marine non-native species requires management of the vectors which help them move between areas.

Globally, the primary vectors of marine non-native species introductions are shipping (via ballast water and hull fouling) and aquaculture.

Hull fouling on smaller vessels is increasingly thought to be an important and unregulated pathway of secondary spread of marine non-native species.

However, evidence on individual pathway dynamics and how these influence the spread of marine NNS is lacking at a national scale, preventing effective management.

The aim of the PhD will be to better understand the dynamics of vessel movement around Scotland to assess the impact of hull fouling for the secondary spread of NNS.

This project would seek to identify the main routes of secondary spread of marine NNS, the connectivity between areas and potential barriers to NNS movement along these routes, and the potential impact to sensitive sites such as protected areas.