Pacific Science

Smith, Jennifer E.
Hunter, Cynthia L.
Smith, Celia Marie.
Distribution and Reproductive Characteristics of Nonindigenous and Invasive Marine Algae in the Hawaiian Islands
Pacific Science - Volume 56, Number 3, July 2002, pp. 299-315

University of Hawai'i Press

Distribution and Reproductive Characteristics of Nonindigenous and Invasive Marine Algae in the Hawaiian Islands1 Jennifer E. Smith,2,3,4 Cynthia L. Hunter,2 and Celia M. Smith3 Abstract: Quantitative and qualitative surveys were conducted on five of the main Hawaiian Islands to determine the current distribution of nonindigenous algae and to assess the level of impact that these algal species pose to Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystems. Maps were generated to examine the spread of these organisms from initial sites of introduction and to assimilate information regarding habitat characteristics that appear to make some sites more susceptible to invasion than others. Blooms of native invasive algae were also documented when encountered. The potential for vegetative propagation via fragmentation was examined experimentally as a mode of reproduction for four of the most common species of nonindigenous algae in Hawai‘i. This research has demonstrated that each of these algal species currently has a distinctive distribution and reproductive strategies appear to vary among species. More research is needed to further understand the competitive strategies and unique ecological characteristics that allow these nonindigenous species to become highly successful in the Hawaiian Islands. Healthy coral reef ecosystems are often dominated by reef-building corals and coralline algae, with macroalgae and algal turfs typically restricted to areas of reefs that are relatively less accessible...