Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports

Abstract Marine biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, making it essential to identify high-risk areas for effective management and prevention. This study assesses the risk of non-native species (NNS) dispersal through maritime transport using network analysis to examine connectivity pat...

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Main Authors: Javier Pinochet, Reinaldo Rivera, Antonio Brante
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-08-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15482-y
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author Javier Pinochet
Reinaldo Rivera
Antonio Brante
author_facet Javier Pinochet
Reinaldo Rivera
Antonio Brante
author_sort Javier Pinochet
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Marine biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, making it essential to identify high-risk areas for effective management and prevention. This study assesses the risk of non-native species (NNS) dispersal through maritime transport using network analysis to examine connectivity patterns among Chilean and international ports, complemented by an environmental similarity approach for estimation. The results highlight San Antonio, San Vicente, and Concepción Bay as key nodes within the national network, facilitating maritime traffic redistribution and linking the Central Chile and Araucanian ecoregions, identified as critical corridors for NNS introduction and spread. In contrast, secondary ports such as Corral and Mejillones have limited connectivity and play minor roles in the network. Internationally, Chilean ports maintain frequent connections with global hubs such as Panama and Shanghai, emphasizing their role in global maritime traffic. Procrustes analysis reveals strong environmental similarity between connected regions, suggesting that shared conditions enhance NNS survival and establishment. Alluvial diagrams and network illustrate high-risk routes and port, aiding in the identification of critical areas for monitoring and management. This study underscores the importance of integrating network analysis with environmental data as a key tool for assessing invasion risk, prioritizing strategic areas, and strengthening preventive strategies.
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spelling doaj-art-9c17f39ecb9f474ea3089f1dc523d2f12025-08-24T11:19:07ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-08-011511810.1038/s41598-025-15482-yNetwork-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international portsJavier Pinochet0Reinaldo Rivera1Antonio Brante2Departamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima ConcepciónMillennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO), Universidad de ConcepciónDepartamento de Ecología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Católica de la Santísima ConcepciónAbstract Marine biological invasions threaten global biodiversity, making it essential to identify high-risk areas for effective management and prevention. This study assesses the risk of non-native species (NNS) dispersal through maritime transport using network analysis to examine connectivity patterns among Chilean and international ports, complemented by an environmental similarity approach for estimation. The results highlight San Antonio, San Vicente, and Concepción Bay as key nodes within the national network, facilitating maritime traffic redistribution and linking the Central Chile and Araucanian ecoregions, identified as critical corridors for NNS introduction and spread. In contrast, secondary ports such as Corral and Mejillones have limited connectivity and play minor roles in the network. Internationally, Chilean ports maintain frequent connections with global hubs such as Panama and Shanghai, emphasizing their role in global maritime traffic. Procrustes analysis reveals strong environmental similarity between connected regions, suggesting that shared conditions enhance NNS survival and establishment. Alluvial diagrams and network illustrate high-risk routes and port, aiding in the identification of critical areas for monitoring and management. This study underscores the importance of integrating network analysis with environmental data as a key tool for assessing invasion risk, prioritizing strategic areas, and strengthening preventive strategies.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15482-yMaritime transportMarine invasionNetworkEnvironmental similarity
spellingShingle Javier Pinochet
Reinaldo Rivera
Antonio Brante
Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports
Scientific Reports
Maritime transport
Marine invasion
Network
Environmental similarity
title Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports
title_full Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports
title_fullStr Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports
title_full_unstemmed Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports
title_short Network-based risk assessment of ship-mediated dispersal of non-native species across Chilean and international ports
title_sort network based risk assessment of ship mediated dispersal of non native species across chilean and international ports
topic Maritime transport
Marine invasion
Network
Environmental similarity
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-15482-y
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