What is the impact of invasive barnacles on the Arctic ecosystem?

The bay barnacles detected in Nunavut's waters are a concerning sign that the Arctic's pristine environment is becoming vulnerable to non-native species. While the researchers don't believe the barnacles alone will destroy the entire ecosystem, their presence indicates that the region is starting to lose its natural defenses against invasive species.

How did the researchers detect the presence of invasive barnacles in the Arctic?

The researchers did not actually see the barnacles with their own eyes. Instead, they used environmental DNA collected from water samples taken on cruise ships to identify the presence of the bay barnacle (Amphibalanus improvisus) in ten different areas across Canada's Arctic.

What is the role of Inuit communities in monitoring invasive species in the Arctic?

The study involved a partnership with the Aqqiumavvik Society in Arviat, Nunavut, to study an area with little shipping activity. Shelley Elverum, who helped start the Ikaarvik non-profit organization in Pond Inlet, emphasized the importance of working with Inuit communities and empowering them to set their own research priorities, as they have deep knowledge of what is normal and what is not in the Arctic environment.

Home / Environment / Invasive Barnacles Breach Arctic's Icy Defenses

Invasive Barnacles Breach Arctic's Icy Defenses

5 Oct

•

Summary

Researchers detect first invasive barnacle species in Nunavut's waters
Warming Arctic waters and increased shipping open region to invasive species
Barnacles found near Pond Inlet, a gateway to the Northwest Passage

In a concerning development, researchers have found evidence of the first invasive barnacle species in the waters of Nunavut, Canada's northernmost territory. This discovery, published last month in the journal Global Change Biology, is believed to be a direct result of the rapid warming of the Arctic region.

The Arctic's once-frigid waters have traditionally acted as a barrier, preventing the migration of invasive species northward. However, with the Arctic warming nearly four times faster than anywhere else on Earth, this thermal shield is weakening. Shipping traffic in parts of Arctic Canada has increased by over 250% since 1990, providing a vector for the introduction of non-indigenous species.

The bay barnacle (Amphibalanus improvisus), already present in European and Pacific waters, has now been detected in ten different areas across Canada's Arctic. Researchers, who collected water samples from cruise ships to identify the species using environmental DNA, found the highest concentration of barnacles near Pond Inlet, a key gateway to the Northwest Passage.

While the researchers don't believe the bay barnacle alone will destroy the entire ecosystem, they warn that its presence is a troubling sign that the Arctic's pristine environment is becoming increasingly vulnerable to invasive species. As the region continues to open up due to climate change, the risk of further introductions will only grow, underscoring the need for proactive monitoring and regulation to protect this fragile ecosystem.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.