According to the definition of marine-vectors.eu, "outbreak forming species (OFS) are indigenous species or invasive alien species (IAS) 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."
With the purpose of defining an early warning system for ballast waters management, we are trying to build a list of OFS, particularly concerning IAS as well as native harmful species. Can anyone help us in finding such information? Are there general criteria (biological features, ecological features, etc.) to identify OFS within a taxonomic group?
hi Luca...
you need to start with biological port baseline survey of your interested study area to make a baseline data set. The OFS belongs to diffrent groups .... Bacteria, phytoplankton, fouling organisms, fish and its larval stages, crabs, mussels ets... (for more details pls refer ballast water management reports and IMO guidelines..). Dinoflagellate group of phytoplankton is an OFS and its cyst forming ability makes them a strong candidates for IAS.
Thank you R.K. for your answer. My problem is how to categorize a species as OFS, if this is a species-specific feature or if there are bio-ecological criteria (e.g. r-strategy) to decide it.
ok ... that will depend on the species specific characteristics for e.g intergovernmental oceanographic commission has got list of Harmful algal bloom species ... similarly there are certain species has been listed as IAS .... this information you can get on IMO risk assessment reports... pls contact Dr. A.C.Anil ([email protected]) head Marine Bio invasion division of National institute of Oceanography . He will be the best person to answer your all queries .. all the best . If need any information regarding HAB species ... i will b happy to help you further..
You should consider contacting Stefano Piraino, who heads (I believe) one of the VECTORS work packages related to this topic. Definitions, criteria, and lists of OFS have been created within VECTORS and these may be available. Stefano can likely direct you to the appropriate people.
Thank you Devin, I know the report you are talking about, however we need to expand the OFS list reported there to other harmful organisms and non-indigenous species which are invading the Mediterranean. Anyway we will ask Stefano about it.
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