Recolonization behavior of rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) and common starfish (Asterias rubens) eradicated from mussel bed

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the recolonization behaviour of the rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) and the common starfish (Asterias rubens) on the mussel beds in their natural habitat. The monitoring studies were carried out seasonally on an island covered by a complete mussel bed in the Sea of Marmara (Turkey) between 19 October 2020 and 9 August 2021. Inhabitant rapa whelk and common starfish on the experimental study island (ESI) were tagged, then moved 10 m away from ESI. The recolonization potential of tagged invaders was monitored for 14 days with underwater surveys after their local eradication each season. The percentage of returned rapa whelk to the ESI was higher than common starfish end of the monitoring period. Rapa whelk moved non-stop towards the mussel bed, reaching the ESI at the latest 6th hour. Common starfish reached the mussel bed much later (at the 15^th hour) than rapa whelk. The common starfish began to leave the ESI at the end of the 7^th day, while the rapa whelk addicted to the ESI for 14 days. Re-invasion behaviour varied significantly seasonally, and both invaders reached the ESI much later in winter. During the monitoring periods, the highest invader densities were seen in the patches with the most abundant mussels, indicating continued uninterrupted feeding. The re-invasion duration and daily feeding activities support the spread of these invaders and could be considered a threat to marine resources.

KEYWORDS:

• Biological invasion
• non-indigenous species
• prey-predator
• feeding behavior
• marine invader

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the artisanal divers in the region (Bandırma Bay) who voluntarily accompanied us on all dives throughout the monitoring. They paid great attention to this study and enjoyed participating in the survey.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Compliance with Ethical Standards

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Availability of data and material

The author declares that row and all other data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article and its supplementary information files.

Ethics approval

The invaders used in this study can be caught legally and there is no fisheries ban. Therefore, use of these animals in research does not require ethical clearance. All applicable international, national and institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed by the author.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.