Invasions can drive marine disease dynamics
Katrina M. Pagenkopp Lohan, Gregory M. Ruiz, Mark E. Torchin
Abstract
Over half the world’s human population lives near the coast, with diverse impacts on the structure and function of coastal ecosystems, including the introduction of parasites that result from shipborne trade, aquaculture, and other human-aided dispersal. The scale of these activities has accelerated through time, expanding the potential for new introductions and subsequent impacts in coastal systems. However, the extent, dynamics, and impacts of marine parasite invasions are relatively unexplored compared to free-living organisms. This chapter (1) advances a framework to consider which parasites are most likely to invade, specifically considering diverse life-history traits, (2) reviews the current baseline knowledge for transfer mechanisms and the history of marine invasions, and (3) considers the ecological and evolutionary implications of parasite invasion. While recent advances have aided our understanding of the intersection of disease and invasion ecology, a closer look at the smallest disease-causing organisms will open new avenues for understanding the full scope of parasite invasions and their role in emerging diseases.