Invasive species are endangering Antarctica’s fragile eco-systems by hitching a ride on tourist expedition vessels. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the British Antarctic Survey say invasive, non-native species are unwittingly being introduced on tourist ships.
They say non-native mussels, crabs, barnacles and algae are arriving on vessels’ hulls and could potentially threaten the environment. The researchers have called for stricter biosecurity measures to keep harmful species out.
