Science and Management of the Introduced Seagrass Zostera japonica in North America
Science and Management of the Introduced Seagrass Zostera japonica in North America
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DOI:
10.1007/s00267-013-0172-z
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发表时间:
2013
影响因子:
3.5
通讯作者:
D. Shafer;J. Kaldy;Jeffrey L. Gaeckle
中科院分区:
文献类型:
--
作者:
D. Shafer;J. Kaldy;Jeffrey L. Gaeckle
Healthy seagrass is considered a prime indicator of estuarine ecosystem function. On the Pacific coast of North America, at least two congeners ofZosteraoccur: nativeZostera marina, and introduced,Zostera japonica.Z. japonicais considered “invasive” and therefore, ecologically and economically harmful by some, while others consider it benign or perhaps beneficial.Z. japonicadoes not appear on the Federal or the Oregon invasive species or noxious weed lists. However, the State of California lists it as both an invasive and noxious weed; Washington State recently listed it as a noxious weed. We describe the management dynamics in North America with respect to these congener species and highlight the science and policies behind these decisions. In recent years, management strategies at the state level have ranged from historical protection ofZ. japonicaas a priority habitat in Washington to eradication in California. Oregon and British Columbia, Canada appear to have no specific policies with regard toZ. japonica. This fractured management approach contradicts efforts to conserve and protect seagrass in other regions of the US and around the world. Science must play a critical role in the assessment ofZ. japonicaecology and the immediate and long-term effects of management actions. The information and recommendations provided here can serve as a basis for providing scientific data in order to develop better informed management decisions and aid in defining a uniform management strategy forZ. japonica.