Answer:
Marine Invasive Species are animals or algae that have been translocated from their native region to California marine and estuarine waters. Invasive species are also called introduced, exotic, alien, nonindigenous or non-native.The introduction of NIS can cause harm to the ecosystem by displacing native species, becoming a human health dangerby introducing new diseases, or cause economic havoc on commercial, agricultural, or recreational activities by clogging waterways, and impacting navigation and recreation.
A prime example of the harm an invasive species can cause is Caulerpa taxifolia, also known as Killer Algae, a strain of green seaweed believed to be released from an aquarium directly into a water body or through a storm drain. The Killer Algae forms a dense carpet on any surface including rock, sand, and mud displacing native plants and animals, disrupts the natural food chain, and seriously impacting recreational and commercial fisheries.
Although Caulerpa was successfully eradicated from California marine waters, few eradications have been attempted due to perceived challenges and high cost (over $7M was expended in the case of Caulerpa).
Number of Invasive Species Statewide
The map below shows that all major harbor areas and Bays in California have received significant NIS introductions. San Francisco Bay has the highest number of non-native species, followed by the Ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach. San Francisco Bay is a hotspot for invasions because it has high recreational boating and commercial shipping traffic, a history of oyster culture, and is adjacent to a highly urbanized area. Our research found that San Francisco Bay is a hub for the spread of NIS to the rest of the West Coast.
Step-by-step explanation: