A Florida Marine Ornamental Pathway Risk Analysis

Abstract

An expert panel of 18 importer, wholesaler, retailer, producer, harvester, researcher, extension, and agency representatives implemented a known risk analysis process to assess risks associated with the marine ornamental pathway. The participants produced a literature review, marine ornamental trade description, assessed the ecological risks to Florida waters, determined the escape risk at each link and node in the pathway, and suggested risk mitigation actions. Annually, the global marine ornamental trade includes 1,500 fish species, 200 coral species, and 500 invertebrate species (excluding coral), with sale of approximately 20 million fish specimens, 10 million invertebrate specimens (excluding coral), and 10 million coral pieces. Currently, 28 exotic ornamental marine fish species have been observed in Florida waters. Two of the 28 fish species (a species complex) are established as reproducing populations in mid-Atlantic and South Atlantic waters. Participants examined the potential for economic, environmental, or perceived (social or political) effects as a consequence of marine ornamental species becoming established in Florida waters. They were very certain the potential economic costs were low and the economic benefits high based upon literature and general knowledge. Potential and real environmental effects were judged to be low based upon literature and their combined observations. However, the participants were very certain the perceived consequences, social and political, were high based upon concerns identified in the scientific literature and the use of emotive language in public media when nonindigenous species are discussed. Risk mitigation activities were suggested for the unlicensed direct consumer sales link and the consumer node.

Keywords:

• marine ornamentals
• nonindigenous species
• risk analysis
• Florida

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This pathway risk analysis was supported by funds provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida's Wildlife Legacy Initiative, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's State Wildlife Grants program (T-11(R)). Thanks to the risk analysis participants for dedicating considerable time and effort from their personal and professional lives, Lacrica Olson who wrote the initial pathway description, Dr. Jamie K. Reaser for creating the pathway diagrams, and two anonymous reviewers that provided significant constructive criticism and improvement.

Note: Congressionally authorized State Wildlife Grant money administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may not be used to pay for the establishment, publication, and dissemination of regulations that a state issues pertaining to the protection and utilization of fish and wildlife resources. This includes laws, orders, seasonal regulations, bag limits, creel limits, license fees, etc. This does not prohibit the scientific collection of information needed to support management recommendations.

Notes

¹Pathway—The means by which aquatic species are transported between ecosystems (ANSTF, 1996). See the glossary for additional definitions.

²This resource allows users to search five data providers in the United States and Australia for marine and aquatic non-indigenous species records.

¹Five fish collected from one location and delivered to public aquariums. Additional locations have one or two fish.

²May represent a natural range expansion from its native range.

³One fish at each location.

⁴One or two fish at different locations.

⁵One to three fish at different locations.

⁶Established in federal waters in the Mid and South Atlantic.