Invasion
Invasion Description
1st Record: CA/Humboldt Bay (2007, Geller et al. 2008; Mackie et al. 2012). Note: Watersipora sp. was first collected in Humboldt Bay around 2001, and then identified as W. subtorquata (Boyle et al. 2006).
Geographic Extent
CA/Humboldt Bay (2007, Geller et al. 2008; Mackie et al. 2012). Note: Watersipora sp. was first collected in Humboldt Bay around 2001, and then identified as W. subtorquata (Boyle et al. 2006).
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 Humboldt Bay (Geller et al. 2008). Wilson (2001) found that it initially out-competed other species on fouling plates, coming to dominate the surface of the plates. | ||
| Ecological Impact | Habitat Change | |
| As Watersipora n. sp. colonies in Humboldt Bay came to dominate the two-dimensional surface of fouling plates, they grew upwards, forming a three-dimensional structure which was utilized by a variety of organisms, increasing the diversity on plates (Wilson 2011). | ||