title: Rapid assessment of target species: Byssate bivalves in a large tropical port.
abstract: Rapid assessment sampling for target species is a fast cost-effective method aimed at determining the presence, abundance and distribution of alien and native harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens that may have been introduced by shipping. In this study, the method was applied within a large tropical port expected to have a high species diversity. The port of Kaohsiung was sampled for bivalve molluscan species that attach using a byssus. Such species, due to their biological traits, are spread by ships to ports worldwide. We estimated the abundance and distribution range of one dreissenid (Mytilopsis sallei) and four mytilids (Brachidontes variabilis, Arcuatula senhousa, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Perna viridis) known to be successful invaders and identified as potential pests, or high-risk harmful native or non-native species. We conclude that a rapid assessment of their abundance and distribution within a port, and its vicinity, is efficient and can provide sufficient information for decision making by port managers where IMO port exemptions may be sought.
authors.affiliation: Marine Science and Technology Centre, Klaipėda University, 84 Manto, Klaipėda, Lithuania; Marine Organism Investigation, Marina Village, Ballina, Killaloe, Co Clare, Ireland. Electronic address: moiireland@yahoo.ie.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Minchin
authors.affiliation: Marine Science and Technology Centre, Klaipėda University, 84 Manto, Klaipėda, Lithuania.
authors.forename: Sergej
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Olenin
authors.affiliation: Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Ta-Kang
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; Taiwan International Ports Corporation, 2-2 Jianguo 3rd Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Muhan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Hydraulic and Ocean Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Sheng-Chih
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D059001:Aquatic Organisms / Q000145:classification*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D058865:Introduced Species; D049879:Mytilidae; D012767:Ships
keywords: Harmful aquatic organisms; Introduction; Invasive species; Port biological survey; South China Sea