Ecology and impacts

Non-native marine species include a range of organisms that are variously predators, competitors, parasites, pathogens or habitats for other biota. They can have a variety of subtle and strong effects on native species, ecosystem processes and the benefits that we derive from them. Some species cause significant economic costs to sectors of society, while others can have severe effects on human health or amenity. Because different sectors of society can view the changes caused by non-native species from different perspectives there can also be disparate opinions about whether a species is considered harmful, useful or benign. This research investigates the complex changes caused by non-native species to New Zealand marine ecosystems and how they affect our way of life.