Invasion
Invasion Description
1st Record: CA/Santa Cruz Harbor (2001, Mackie et al. 2006, molecular identification)
Geographic Extent
CA/Bodega Bay (Geller et al. 2008); Richmond Marina/CA/San Francisco Bay (Geller et al. 2008); CA/Santa Cruz Harbor (2001, Mackie et al. 2006); CA/Monterey Bay (Geller et al. 2008, from fronds of Undaria pinnatifida); CA/Moss Landing Harbor (Geller et al. 2008); CA/Morro Bay (Geller et al. 2008)
Vectors
| Level | Vector |
|---|---|
| Probable | Hull Fouling |
Regional Impacts
| Ecological Impact | Competition | |
| Watersipora n. sp. is a newly identified, and still undescribed species, so knowledge of its ecology and impacts is limited. However, it was found to monopolize sites in Morro and Bodega Bays (Geller et al. 2008; Mackie et al. 2012). | ||
| Ecological Impact | Habitat Change | |
| Watersipora sp.(either subtorquata or n. sp.; Geller et al. 2008) had more than 10% cover on fouling plates. Native diversity was correlated with exotic diversity, as both groups of organisms occupied the three-dimensional structure created by colonies (Sellheim et al. 2010). | ||