The issue of invasive
species becomes more prevalent as the world economy continues to globalize.
From cane toads and rabbits in Australia, the Spanish slug in Europe, to
Burmese pythons and snakeheads
in the US, invasive species can have a devastating effect on local ecosystems.
This is especially acute in the already interconnected system of the world’s
oceans. The Mediterranean Sea is particularly susceptible to this problem
because of how isolated it is; this isolation breeds specialization, and when a
foreign species is introduced it can outcompete the natives, prey on them, or prey
on their eggs or young. This disruption of an ecosystem’s food web can have
far-reaching consequences at all trophic levels. 
This worries researchers in light
of a new plan from the Egyptian government to expand the Suez
Canal. They want to widen and deepen the canal to allow for a higher volume
of boat traffic to move more quickly, but this would also make it easier for
species from the Indian Ocean and Red Sea to make their way to the
Mediterranean. Whereas many invasive fish species are deposited from the
ballast tanks of ships or simply cling to their bottom, this would enhance a
direct route between two separate ocean environments in an area where invasive
species are already running rampant. Supporters of the project cite a massive
economic growth potential, but the Egyptian government seeming to move forward
on these plans very rapidly without any kind of environmental oversight begs
the question of whether these economic benefits outweigh the ecological costs.
It seems like the Egyptian
government is not doing nearly enough to make sure this plan is environmentally
viable and sustainable. The article states that the European Union is closely
monitoring the progress, but in reality if Egypt isn’t in the EU they don’t
have a whole lot of control over any of it. It brings up the environmental
impact assessment done for the Panama Canal and mentions a system of locks or a
saltwater barrier system that could prevent some migration but it still seems
woefully lacking. Hopefully they’ll take the necessary precautions and this
won’t turn into a catalyst for the death of the Mediterranean ecosystem.
- Ian Mallor , B
- Ian Mallor , B
I just took an introductory ecology course here at UMass and we spent about 2 weeks discussing how devastating invasive species can be on an ecosystem. Your concerns here are completely correct, and I am sure Egypt isn't taking this issue into full consideration. Great post, more people should be reminded of issuets like these!
ReplyDelete-Posted by Ashley Condon
I agree, the ecological cost of this canal could be devastating for the Mediterranean ecosystem. Unfortunately, the Egyptian government probably won't take the ecological concerns too seriously because of their recent political turmoil.
ReplyDelete-Posted by Daniel Bonkowski
This is a great post. I've learnt a lot about invasive species from your post. It's true that a formation of a new species in a certain ecosystem will lead to an increase in diversity. However, after reading your post and this article, I realize how harmful invasive species can be to a native ecosystem. There are two questions that I have for you: 1. Do you think this invasive species can somehow adapt to its new living condition through any evolution processes in a way that it will become a native species and have neutral effects on the ecosystem? 2. Do you think the event of an invasive species is introduced to a whole new ecosystem can be related to the Founder effects?
ReplyDelete-Posted by Phi Duong
Great questions! I think what makes invasive species so dangerous is that in order for them to successfully take hold in an ecosystem they have to displace another organism or organisms from the existing food web. As to whether it is related to the Founder effect, I think in this case since the canal serves as a constant highway to and from the new ecosystem this is not an example; there must be isolation from the mother population in order for there to be Founder effect.
Delete- Ian
Really interesting article! It's always tough when ecology gets mixed up in commerce, and I fear that the Egyptian government isn't going to take the steps necessary to make sure this change won't result in any irreversible damage, as ecology is probably the last thing on their mind at the current moment.
ReplyDelete~David Almanzar
As sad as it is, the environment usually takes a back seat to problems of government and politics when they arise. In this case maybe it would be wise for them to halt the project until they can dedicate the proper resources and attention.
Delete- Ian
Thanks for discussing about such important topic. Environmental impact assessment is very important to perform as it can determine the harmful effect of civilization on environment. Environmental site assessment phase 1 is nowadays performed widely to assess contamination of lands.
ReplyDelete