Accelerating invasion rate in a highly invaded estuary
Biological invasions are a major global environmental and economic problem. Analysis of the San Francisco Bay and Delta ecosystem revealed a large number of exotic species that dominate many habitats in terms of number of species, number of individuals and biomass, and a high and accelerating rate of invasion. These factors suggest that this may be the most invaded estuary in the world. Possible causes include a large number and variety of transport vectors, a depauperate native biota, and extensive natural and anthropogenic disturbance.
Cohen
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A. N. Cohen, San Francisco Estuary Institute, 1325 South 46 Street, Richmond, CA 94804, USA. J. T. Carlton, Maritime Studies Program, Williams College-Mystic Seaport, Post Office Box 6000, Mystic, CT 06355, USA.
Carlton
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