Non-native species introductions in marine reserves and protected areas

• Dianna K. Padilla

Abstract
This proposal is for sabbatical support as a Center Fellow to conduct two projects. (1.) Aquatic ecosystems have been impacted by a variety of anthropogenic factors, leading to concerns about loss of biodiversity, loss of fisheries stocks, and the introduction and spread of non-native species. In response there has been a dramatic increase in scientific and public attention to the protection of biodiversity and fisheries through marine reserves and protected areas, and the introduction and impacts of non-native species. Although these topics have been the focus of much recent effort, to date there is a lack of attention to the problem of non-native species in marine protected areas and reserves, which will be the focus of my project. For marine systems this problem may be especially important because dispersal and connectedness among marine reserves appears to be a key design features for effective reserve design. These very properties can enhance the likelihood of invasion and spread of non-native species. Marine reserves may also be especially susceptible to aquaculture species, which either escape culture or are deliberately out planted in large abundance to enhance sustainable fisheries and restore ecosystem function that has been lost due to over harvesting. (2) The ecological importance and consequences of phenotypically plastic traits is of great interest to a wide range of scientists. I propose to review the literature on inducible offenses, traits that enhance the ability of consumers or competitors, and contrast this information with what is known about inducible defenses, which have been studied much more extensively. I will explore the similarities and differences between these two types of ecologically important plasticities.