Synergies between climate anomalies and hydrological modifications facilitate estuarine biotic invasions

Winder, Monika, Jassby, Alan D. and Mac Nally, Ralph (2011) Synergies between climate anomalies and hydrological modifications facilitate estuarine biotic invasions Ecology Letters, 14 . pp. 749-757. DOI 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2011.01635.x.

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Abstract

Environmental perturbation, climate change and international commerce are important drivers for biological
invasions. Climate anomalies can further increase levels of habitat disturbance and act synergistically to elevate
invasion risk. Herein, we use a historical data set from the upper San Francisco Estuary to provide the first
empirical evidence for facilitation of invasions by climate extremes. Invasive zooplankton species did not
become established in this estuary until the 1970s when increasing propagule pressure from Asia coincided with
extended drought periods. Hydrological management exacerbated the effects of post-1960 droughts and
reduced freshwater inflow even further, increasing drought severity and allowing unusually extreme salinity
intrusions. Native zooplankton experienced unprecedented conditions of high salinity and intensified benthic
grazing, and life history attributes of invasive zooplankton were advantageous enough during droughts to
outcompete native species and colonise the system. Extreme climatic events can therefore act synergistically
with environmental perturbation to facilitate the establishment of invasive species.

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