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Mills, E.L., D.L. Strayer, M.D. Scheuerell, and J.T. Carlton, 1996. Exotic Species in the Hudson River Basin: A History of Invasions and
Introductions, Cornell University.
Reprinted with Permission from Estuaries (1996) 19(4): 814-823
Exotic Species in the Hudson River Basin: A History of Invasions and Introductions
Abstract
We compiled information about the distribution of exotic organisms in the fresh
waters of the Hudson River basin. At least 113 nonindigenous species of
vertebrates, vascular plants, and large invertebrates have established
populations in the basin. Too little was known about the past or present
distributions of algae and most small invertebrates to identify exotic species
in these group. Most established exotic species in the Hudson River basin
originated from Eurasia or the Mississippi-Great Lakes basins, and were
associated with vectors such as unintentional releases (especially escapes from
cultivation), shipping activities (especially solid ballast or ballast water),
canals, or intentional releases. Rates of species invasions of fresh and
oligohaline waters in the basin have been high (ca. one new species per year)
since about 1840. For many well-studied groups, introduced species constitute 4%
to nearly 60% of the species now in the basin. Although the ecological impacts
of the invaders in the Hudson River basin have not been well studied, we believe
that about 10% of the exotic species have had major ecological impacts in the
basin. Since the rates of entry and composition of exotic species in the Hudson
basin are similar to those observed previously for the Laurentian Great Lakes,
invasions tended to occur earlier in the Hudson basin, probably reflecting the
earlier history of human commerce. While most exotics have had negative impacts
on local flora and fauna, some fish species have provided unique angling
opportunities and important economic benifits.
Contact: Edward Mills, Cornell Biological Field Station, Cornell University, 900 Shackelton Point Road, Bridgeport, NY 13030-9750
Key Words: Nonindigenous, Colonization, Environmental_impacts
Product Type: Research,
Impact
User Type: General
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