epi-& endobionts - What’s harm?

Within the past few weeks, we spoke about cryptic and stepstone introductions. Let us shed some light on the consequences of these introductions, drawing insights from studies across the Pacific.
In the USA, the economic toll of fouling on Burk-class destroyers, ships measuring 150 meters in length, is staggering. Up to 4.8m NZD annually fuel costs for each ship is caused through fouling. The US Navy allocates a substantial 1.34m NZD per destroyer each year to combat fouling organisms.
As NZ ambitiously strives to grow its aquaculture into a 3b NZD industry by 2035, a fivefold increase from 2019, we find ourselves grappling with the challenges posed by epi- and endobionts. While epibionts foul on the shell, hindering shell openings, feeding and breathing. Whereas endobionts can cause severe damage to the organism and shell and can render shellfish unsuitable for the market. Ocean acidification (OA) facilitates the drilling of parasitic endobionts into the shell, and warmer temperatures not only stress crop species but also boost the survival rates of introduced parasites. This combination, compounded by climate change and OA, manifests in detrimental impacts on shell stability, reproduction, growth, and survival of crop species.
Of particular intrigue is the revelation that while native species reduce their reproductive output due to warmer temperatures, introduced species thrive. This dynamic will be explored further in our upcoming post. For now, it is crucial to comprehend that introduced species, through higher and more frequent reproduction, can rapidly expand their populations, suppressing native species.
Certain introduced species act as hosts for a myriad of parasites that challenge the ability of our crop species to fend them off. A wealth of publications documents the impact and mitigation of native and non-native endo- & epibionts. In the US, for instance, shellfish farmers allocate an average of 15% of their annual budget to mitigate pest species. In some species the mitigation of epi- and endobionts can contribute up to 30% of market price.
While predictions for the impact of native and non-native invasive species on New Zealand's aquaculture are limited, local estimates suggest substantial costs. Fouling by blue mussel species on green lip mussel farms in the Marlborough Sounds is projected to incur costs of up to 26m NZD per annum. Additionally, the burden of 2 other fouler on P. canaliculus aquaculture is forecasted to cost 1.7m NZD annually.
For effective mitigation of invasive species, whether native or non-native, the first crucial step is recognizing species and understanding their biology. Enter Ocean Wolf, your ideal partner equipped with expertise in alpha-, beta-, and gamma-taxonomy, ready to identify introduced and native parasites and unravel the reproductive biology of both crops and pests. Join us in safeguarding the delicate balance of NZ's aquatic ecosystems.
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