What are the effects of invasive species on marine ecosystems?

The effects of invasive species on marine ecosystems are significant and often detrimental. Invasive species can disrupt established food webs, which are the complex interconnections between various species that rely on each other for survival. By introducing non-native organisms into an ecosystem, these species can outcompete native species for resources such as food, habitat, and other critical needs. This competition may lead to a decline in native populations, potentially causing local extinctions and a decrease in biodiversity.

Invasive species can also alter the physical environment or the availability of resources, further impacting native species and changing community dynamics. For example, a new predator might suppress a native herbivore population, ultimately affecting the entire plant community that relies on the herbivore for population control. Overall, the introduction of invasive species creates an imbalance in marine ecosystems, highlighting their detrimental effects.