Researchers have identified the first invasive barnacle species in the waters of Nunavut, attributing the discovery to the warming temperatures in the region. This revelation was detailed in a recent publication in the journal Global Change Biology. The researchers noted that the traditionally cold waters of the Arctic have historically deterred invasive species from moving northward. However, with the Arctic warming at an accelerated rate compared to other regions, shipping activities have surged, breaking down the thermal barrier that once shielded the Arctic waters from invasive species.
The study highlighted a significant increase in shipping traffic in parts of Arctic Canada, rising by more than 250 percent since 1990. This surge in shipping has facilitated the transportation of non-native species to the Arctic region. The bay barnacle (Amphibalanus improvisus), commonly found in European waters and the Pacific Ocean, was detected in ten different locations across the Canadian Arctic.
Betty Boyse, a molecular biologist from the British Antarctic Survey and co-author of the study, conducted the research during expeditions on cruise ships. Most barnacles were discovered near Pond Inlet, a crucial entry point to the Northwest Passage. Utilizing environmental DNA collected from the waters, the researchers were able to identify the presence of barnacles without direct visual observation.
While the researchers do not foresee the bay barnacle single-handedly decimating the ecosystem, they view its appearance as an alarming indicator of the Arctic’s increasing vulnerability to invasive species. Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada commented on the study, acknowledging its significance. The DFO emphasized the need for further monitoring and visual confirmation to validate whether the detected environmental DNA corresponds to live organisms.
To combat the spread of invasive species, the researchers advocate for proactive measures by the Canadian government, such as enhanced monitoring and the implementation of stringent regulations for vessels entering the Arctic region. Transport Canada highlighted existing regulations, including pollution reporting requirements and ballast water management standards, aimed at mitigating the introduction of invasive species. Additionally, Canada has collaborated with the International Maritime Organization on guidelines for vessel cleaning and biofouling management, with plans underway to establish binding international measures for ship biofouling.
