Suivi des espèces envahissantes marines à Saint Pierre et Miquelon. Année 2014

Initiated in 2013, the present work carried out in 2014 extends the monitoring network focusing on marine invasive exotic species in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon archipelago. In a global context of coastal ecosystems’ changes, accentuated by direct or indirect effects of human activities, it became essential to implement a monitoring survey and to track the expansion of marine invasive species along Saint-Pierre and Miquelon shoreline. Fukui traps and tunicates collectors deployed on different stations as well as the timely completion of observational dives, have provided the following conclusions: several invasive species were again reported within the local marine ecosystem. Those species, i.e., Carcinus maenas, Caprella mutica, Ciona intestinalis, Botryllus schlosseri Botrylloïdes violaceus, Membranipora membranacea, Codium fragile, threaten several local marine ecosystems and aquaculture activities. It seems to be essential to continue this annual monitoring network to assess trends of marine invasive populations on the archipelago. Further works, considering the populations’ genetics in collaboration with Canadian services should also facilitate the identification of human activities impacts on these populations’ movements. This report finally supports a management plan for those introduced organisms to limit and control biopollution impacts on marine environment and socio-economic factors.