Date of the first record

The date of the first documented record of the species occurrence in a country/country region.
Date fields usage example:

Date to be specifiedDate FromDate To
Exact 198519851985
18th century17011800
before 1700 1700
after 20012001 

Environmental position

Environment(s) occupied by a species throughout its life cycle.

OPTIONS:

Biofouling. Assemblage of organisms on wetted artificial substrates.

Commensal. An organism in a symbiotic relationship, in which one benefits while the other is not adversely affected.

Demersal. Synonyms: hyperbenthic, benthopelagic, nektobenthic. An organism living at, in or near the bottom of the sea, but having the ability to swim.

Ectoparasite. A parasite living on the surface of its host.

Endoparasite. A parasite living within the organs or tissues of its host.

Epifaunal. Synonym: epibenthic. An animal inhabiting the surface of the seabed, submerged plants and animals.

Epilithic. An organism living on the surface of rock or other hard inorganic substrata.

Epiphytic. An organism living on the surface of a plant, non-parasitic.

Epizoic. An organism living on the surface of an animal, non-parasitic.

Infaunal. Synonym: endobenthic. An animal living within the seabed sediments.

Interstitial. An organism (< 1 mm) living in the spaces between sediment particles.

Lithotomous. An organism burrowing into rock.

Neustonic. An organism living on (epineuston) or under (hyponeuston) the surface film of water bodies.

Pelagic. An organism inhabiting the water column.

Pleustonic. An organism inhabiting the water surface due to their own buoyancy, normally positioned partly in the water and partly in the air.

Habitat type

Estuary. River mouth, transition zone between riverine and marine environments, subject to influences from both.

Lagoon. Shallow, enclosed water body separated from the sea by barrier islands, narrow spit or reefs.

Offshore. Areas located at least 50 nautical miles from the shore.

Open coast. A coast not sheltered from the sea.

Strait/Sound. Channels between the mainland and an island or between two islands which are open at both ends to the open coast (it does not refer to similar features or narrows within marine inlets).

Sheltered coastal area. Coastal area partly surrounded by land (e.g., bay, inlet, fjord).

Ports. A location on a coast or shore containing one or more harbours where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land.

Port vicinity. The area near a port where ballast water operations may occur, including areas where vessels may conduct ballast water discharge or uptake operations when approaching a port or leaving it, e.g., port approaches, anchorage areas and designated ballast water exchange areas. The dimension is port specific.

Marina. A specially designed harbour for pleasure craft and small boats.

Aquaculture sites. Areas set out for the purpose of farming aquatic organisms.

Marine Protected Area (MPA). Defined marine area where natural resources are given greater protection than the surrounding waters. Different categories exist depending on the level of protection afforded by legislation.

Migration pattern

Diurnal. Movements between alternative habitats over day and night, e.g. vertical migration.

Life-time. One time migration between different habitats during the life cycle, e.g. anadromus migration.

Not relevant. No evidence of any life history cycle stages to migrate.

Seasonal. Movements between alternative habitats during a specific time of a year (e.g., spawning and feeding migrations).

Pathway / Vector

Pathway

A pathway is the route a NIS takes to enter or spread through a non-native ecosystem e.g. vessels. Each pathway may have a number of vectors.

Vector

A vector is a transfer mechanism and is the physical means by which species are transported from one geographic region to another. More than one vector within a pathway may be involved in a transfer of species.

Pathways and vectors included:
PathwayVector
Aquarium tradeIntentional organism release
Transported water
Waste discharge
Culture activitiesAquaculture equipment
Associated water & packaging material
Intercontinental stock movement
Regional stock movement
Unintentional release & escapees
Leisure activitiesAngling catch
Cultural releases
Live bait
Live souvenirs
Sport equipment
Stocking for angling
Waste discharge
Live food tradeIntentional organism release
Transported water
Waste discharge
ManagementBiological habitat management
Construction equipment
Construction materials
Release for biological control
Natural spread from neighboring countriesOther natural vectors
Water currents
Other canalsCanal de Midi (linking the Bay of Biscay with the Mediterranean Sea)
Kiel Canal (linking the North Sea with the Baltic)
Northern waterway (linking the Baltic with the Ponto-Caspian region through Volga river canal system)
Rhone waterway (linking the North Sea with the Mediterranean)
Southern waterway (linking the North Sea with the Black Sea through Danube river canal system)
Central waterway (linking the Baltic Sea with the Black Sea through the Dnieper river canal system)
Other waterways
Irrigation canals
Research and educationGear movement
Intentional releases
Unintentional release & escapees
Waste discharge
Suez Canal 
VesselsAnchor and anchor chain
Ballast tank sediments
Ballast water
Ship’s hull
Sea chest
Others
Wild fisheriesDiscard of by-catch
Fishing gear
Live bait release
Live packaging material
Processed live material
Stock movements
Transported water

Pathway / Vector – Levels of certainty:
LevelCriteriaExamples
Direct evidenceThe species was actually found associated with the specific vector(s) of a pathway at the time of introduction to a particular locality within a country/country region.Documented evidence of an introduction: release to the wild for stocking or biological control; escape/release of live food; import of cultured species and documented findings of their associate organisms, parasites and diseases on transmission; appearance of organisms by hull fouling, ballast water discharge sampling or other ship vectors documented upon an arrival with appropriate scientific methods.
Very likelyThe species appears for the first time in a locality where a single pathway/vector(s) is known to operate and where there is no other explanation that can be argued for its presence except by this likely pathway/vector(s).A highly localized distribution of a species in an area adjacent to an isolated port or other locality where the only pathway is vessels and its vector(s) (ballast water, hull fouling, etc). This often involves geographically discontinuous distributions. It may be a continuous spread as in case of introduction by canals or by natural means. The conclusion is deduced from the analysis of the invasion event and species distribution patterns.
PossibleThe species cannot be convincingly ascribed to a single pathway, but is known to be introduced by this pathway(s) elsewhere.There may be more than one pathway involved in the introduction within a country/country region. Arrival of a species known to have taken place elsewhere by the same pathway(s) which operates in an area. A conclusion is made by expert judgment based on pathways currently or historically present.
UnknownInvasion of a given alien species cannot be clearly explained.Where no rational explanation for the appearance of a species in a given country/region.

Population status

Population status (the lowest level of certainty):

Unknown. There is no reliable information on population status of a species.
Established. A species is known to form a reproducing population in a wild.
Not established. There is no evidence of a species’ reproducing population in a wild.

Population status (the moderate level of certainty):
Extinct/no recent record. There are old records where a species was recorded but have not been seen in the same region since.
Rare/single record. There are only casual observations or a single record of a species'presence available.
Common. A species with successfully reproducing populations in an open ecosystem, which are unlikely to be eliminated by man or natural causes. Not dominating native communities.
Abundant. A species with successfully reproducing populations in an open ecosystem, which are unlikely to be eliminated by man or natural causes. Locally dominating native communities.
Very abundant. A species with successfully reproducing populations in an open ecosystem, which are unlikely to be eliminated by man or natural causes. Largely dominating native communities.
Outbreak. A species undergoing pulse-like, short-term (days to few months) exponential population growth during which they have an adverse effect on one or more of the following: biological diversity, ecosystem functioning, socio-economic values and human health.

Recipient region

The country/region for which introduction is recorded.

References.



References should follow the standard of Biological invasions:


Journal article
Gamelin FX, Baquet G, Berthoin S, Thevenet D, Nourry C, Nottin S, Bosquet L (2009) Effect of high intensity intermittent training on heart rate variability in prepubescent children. Eur J Appl Physiol 105:731-738. doi: 10.1007/s00421-008-0955-8
Ideally, the names of all authors should be provided, but the usage of “et al” in long author lists will also be accepted:
Smith J, Jones M Jr, Houghton L et al (1999) Future of health insurance. N Engl J Med 965:325–329


Article by DOI


Slifka MK, Whitton JL (2000) Clinical implications of dysregulated cytokine production. J Mol Med. doi:10.1007/s001090000086


Book
South J, Blass B (2001) The future of modern genomics. Blackwell, London


Book chapter
Brown B, Aaron M (2001) The politics of nature. In: Smith J (ed) The rise of modern genomics, 3rd edn. Wiley, New York, pp 230-257


Online document
Cartwright J (2007) Big stars have weather too. IOP Publishing PhysicsWeb. http://physicsweb.org/articles/news/11/6/16/1. Accessed 26 June 2007


Dissertation
Trent JW (1975) Experimental acute renal failure. Dissertation, University of California

Reproductive duration

Long. Breeds in one or more discrete periods, each longer than three months.

Medium. Breeds in one or more discrete periods, each longer than a week and less than three months.

Short. Breeds in one or more discrete periods within a week.

Reproductive seasonality

Months for a species known to reproduce in the invaded site.

Salinity range

The exact salinity range if known (psu), else salinity zone(s) according to the Venice system:
1. Limnetic [<0.5psu]
2. β-Oligohaline [0.5-3psu]
3. α-Oligohaline [3-5psu]
4. β-Mesohaline [5-10psu]
5. α-Mesohaline [10-18psu]
6. Polymixohaline [18-30psu]
7. Euhaline [30-40psu]
8. Hypersaline [>40psu]

Source region

The area the species was introduced from to the recipient country/country region. Depending on the information availability may be ascribed to a particular locality (e.g. port), a country, a LME or a larger Ocean region.
CAUTION: in many cases the source area will be not the same as the area of native origin which is defined in the SPECIES block of the database.

Species status

Non-indigenous species. Non-indigenous species (synonyms: alien, exotic, non-native, allochthonous, introduced) are species, subspecies or lower taxa (such as a variety, form) introduced outside of their natural range (past or present) and outside of their natural dispersal potential. This includes any propagule of a NIS, such as a gamete, seed or resting spore, a gravid female or a pair of individuals of different sexes (in sexual reproduction), or a vegetative reproductive organ and section of tissue (in asexual reproduction), which might survive, reproduce and subsequently form a population. It also includes hybrids between an alien species and an indigenous species, fertile polyploid organisms and artificially hybridized species irrespective of their natural range or dispersal potential.

Cryptogenic. Cryptogenic species are such species which cannot be reliably demonstrated as being either introduced or native. In some cases the true origin of a species remains obscure because of either insufficient taxonomic knowledge or due to a lack of records from the time they became introduced, or for other reasons.

Temperature range

Indicate min. and max. annual temperature range in the area where a species is known to maintain an established (reproducing) population.

Wave exposure

Exposed. Open coastline facing prevailing wind and receiving both wind-driven waves and swell.

Semi exposed. Generally open coasts facing away from prevailing winds or sheltered by offshore reefs/structures.

Sheltered. Coasts with a restricted fetch (<20 km) and lacking persistent swell.

Zonation

Ecological zone(s) occupied by a species throughout its life cycle.

Benthic - Bathyal. Synonym: continental slope. The seafloor between the edge of the continental shelf and abyssal plain (200-4000 m).

Benthic - Littoral. Synonym: intertidal. The shore between the high and low water marks.

Benthic - Sublittoral beyond photic zone. Synonym: lower circalittoral. The lower part of the continental shelf, where photosynthesis cannot take place.

Benthic - Sublittoral within photic zone. Synonyms: subtidal, infralittoral. The shallow part of sublittoral where photosynthesis can occur.

Benthic - Supralittoral. Synonyms: splash zone, spray zone, supratidal zone. The area above the spring high tide line, subject spray or splash.

Pelagic - Littoral. Water mass within littoral zone.

Pelagic - Neritic. Water mass above the continental shelf.

Pelagic - Offshore. Synonym: oceanic. Water mass beyond the continental shelf.

Public domain: Introduction event account

Species Ensis leei  
Date of the first record (?) 1989

References (not structured):
Howlett DJ (1990) The arrival in Britain of Ensis americanus. Conchologist’s Newsletter 114: 301-302.
Palmer D (2003) The introduced razor fish Ensis directus in The Wash and north Norfolk. Shellfish news 16: 13-15.

Comments:
First found in 1989.
Recipient region (?) Country: United Kingdom (Britain)
LME: 22. North Sea

References (not structured):
Cosel von R (2009) The razor shells of the eastern Atlantic, part 2. Pharidae II: the genus Ensis Schumacher, 1817 (Bivalvia, Solenoidea). Basteria 73:1–48.

Howlett DJ (1990) The arrival in Britain of Ensis americanus. Conchologist’s Newsletter 114: 301-302.

Comments:
Found on the Norfolk coast, including the Wash and Humber estuaries.
Source region (?) Ocean: Atlantic
--> Ocean region: NW Atlantic
Pathway / Vector (?) Level of certainty: Highly likely

Pathway: Natural spread from neighboring countries
Vector: (Highly likely) Water currents

References (not structured):
Van Urk RM (1987) Ensis americanus (Binney) (syn. E. directus auct. Non Conrad) a recent introduction from Atlantic North-America. Journal of Conchology 32: 329-333.

Comments:
Almost certainly the larvae will have arrived on the British coast by means of remote dispersal of the larval stage.
Habitat type (?) Marine Protected Area (MPA)
Open coast
Sheltered coastal area

References (not structured):
Palmer, D.W., (2003)The introduced razor fish Ensis directus in the Wash and North Norfolk. Shellfish News 16: 13-15.

Palmer, D.W. (2004)Growth of the razor clam Ensis directus, an alien species in the Wash on the east coast of England. Journal of the Marine Biological Association UK 84: 1075-1076

Comments:
Ensis directus lives in sandy bottom in the intertidal or shallow subtidal zone.
Wave exposure (?) Sheltered

References (not structured):
Murby, P., (1997) The Wash: Natural Area Profile. English Nature. Grantham, UK

Comments:
The Wash Estuary where Ensis directus was first found is a large, mostly shallow marine embayment that opens up into the southern North Sea. It generally faces away from the prevailing winds and can be sheltered from persistent swell by a series of offshore sand banks.
Salinity range (?) Exact range: 7 - 32

References (not structured):
Maurer D, Watling L, Aprill G, (1974). The distribution and ecology of common marine and estuarine pelecypods in the Delaware Bay Area. The Nautilus 88(2):38-46
Temperature range (?) Min: 5.5
Max: 14.6

References (not structured):
Joyce, A.E., 2006. The coastal temperature network and ferry route programme: long-term temperature and salinity observations. Science Series Data Report, Cefas, Lowestoft, 43: 129pp.

Comments:
The temperatures noted are for the closest seawater temperature station located just outside the Wash Estuary. It would be expected therefore that the shallow waters within the estuary would experience higher seawater temperatures in summer than the 14.6 oC shown.
Zonation / Substratum (?) Benthic and Pelagic:
Littoral (Benthic)
Sublittoral within photic zone
Substratum:
Soft (mud to pebbles)

References (not structured):
Ashelby CW (2005) The occurrence and distribution of non-native fauna in Harwich Harbour and the Stour and Orwell estuaries, including new records of Caprella mutica Schurin 1935 and Bugula stolonifera Ryland 1960. Essex Naturalist 22: 103-116.
Reproductive duration (?)Medium

References (not structured):
Armonies W (2001) What an introduced species can tell us about the spatial extension of benthic populations. Marine Ecology Progress Series 209:289–294.

Beukema, J.J. and Dekker, R. (1995). Dynamics and growth of a recent invader into European coastal waters: The American razor clam, Ensis directus. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 75: 351-362.

Comments:
The reproductive duration of Ensis directus on the east coast of the UK is unknown, but it is known to take place in March – April in the Wadden Sea. The dispersal of E. directus is facilitated by a pelagic larval life (2–4 weeks)during which it may reach a distance of 125 km downstream from its source population.
Reproductive seasonality (?) Not entered
Migration pattern (?) Not entered
Population status (?) Abundant (Moderate level of certainty)

References (not structured):
Howlett DJ (1990). The arrival in Britain of Ensis americanus. Conchologist's Newsletter, No. 114: 301-302.

Palmer DW. 2004. Growth of the razor clam Ensis directus, an alien species in the Wash on the east coast of England. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 84: 1075-1076.

Eno NC (1998) The introduction to British waters of non-native martine molluscs and the implications to nature conservation interests. Journal of Conchology Special Publication No. 2 : 287-287.

Palmer D (2003) The introduced razor fish Ensis directus in The Wash and north Norfolk. Shellfish news 16: 13-15.

Ashelby CW (2004) Report on the content of Dover sole (Solea solea) stomachs from trawl surveys of the Stour and Orwell estuaries between September 2002 and October 2003. Unicomarine Report HHAS to Harwich Haven Authority, March 2004.

Comments:
Population is well distributed and occurs in the outer parts of estuaries and young clams are an important food source for fishes.
Species status (?) Non-indigenous species

References (not structured):
Howlett DJ (1990) The arrival in Britain of Ensis americanus. Conchologist's Newsletter, No. 114: 301-302.

Palmer DW (2004) Growth of the razor clam Ensis directus, an alien species in the Wash on the east coast of England. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 84: 1075-1076.

Eno NC (1998) The introduction to British waters of non-native marine molluscs and the implications to nature conservation interests. Journal of Conchology Special Publication No. 2 : 287-287.

Palmer D (2003) The introduced razor fish Ensis directus in The Wash and north Norfolk. Shellfish news 16: 13-15.

Comments:
The species is native to the eastern coast of North America.
Created byDan Minchin, 2012-03-19
Last update byElizabeth J. Cook, 2014-05-14
Contributors
Added by Dan Minchin, 2012-03-19
Edited by Dan Minchin, 2013-10-29
Edited by Elizabeth J. Cook, 2013-11-13
Edited by Elizabeth J. Cook, 2014-05-14

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