Invasion
Invasion Description
1st Records: Namibia/Atlantic Ocean (1990, Ruesink et al. 2005, current aquaculture)
Geographic Extent
Namibia/Atlantic Ocean (1990, Ruesink et al. 2005, current aquaculture); South Africa/Alexander Bay (active oyster farming, Robinson et al. 2005; Haupt et al. 2010); South Africa/Saldanha Bay (active oyster farming, Robinson et al. 2005; Haupt et al. 2010); South Africa/Knysna Estuary (Haupt et al. 2010)
Vectors
| Level | Vector |
|---|---|
| Probable | Oyster Intentional |
Regional Impacts
| Economic Impact | Fisheries | |
| Crassostrea gigas (Pacific Oyster) is currently cultivated in several farms in Namibia and along the Atlantic coast of South Africa (Robinson et al. 2005; Ruesink et al. 2005; Haupt et al. 2010). | ||
| Ecological Impact | Parasite/Predator Vector | |
| The East Pacific sea urchin Tetrapygus niger, native to Chile, was introduced with cultures of C. gigas in Alexander Bay, South Africa. Breeding populations are present, but no impacts are reported. Howver, in Chile, this species is a major grazer of kelp beds (Haupt et al. 2010). | ||