BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL OF MARINE PESTS

Biological control, as used in terrestrial systems, may hold promise f or use against exotic marine species. We first review some marine pest s, displaying their diversity, the damage they cause, and possible con trols. We then contrast approaches for marine and terrestrial pest con trol, providing guidelines for adapting terrestrial controls to the ma rine environment. Although several of the same principles apply in ter restrial and marine environments, marine systems differ with respect t o the types of control agents available, the degree of pest-population reduction needed for effective control, the spatial scale over which biological control must operate effectively, the practicality of imple mentation, and the nature and degree of concern over safety. As an exa mple, we propose a strategy for developing a biological control progra m against the European green crab, Carcinus maenas, which has had subs tantial negative impacts where previously introduced (New England, Atl antic Canada, South Africa, south Australia) and which has recently be en introduced to central California, and to Tasmania. We conclude that biological control may be possible for some marine pests, but that ex isting strategies and expectations will require modification.