Halectinosoma abrau (Kritchagin, 1873), Tachidius abrau Krichagin, 1877

Nonindigenous Occurrences: Ectinosoma abrau occurs in Austria (NOBANIS 2014). This species has been recorded in Castle Harbor, Bermuda (Coull 1970; Coull and Herman 1970).

Potential pathway(s) of introduction: Transoceanic shipping (ballast water).

Ectinosoma abrau occurs in the Black Sea and Azov Sea in eastern Europe, including Lake Ohrid of the Balkan peninsula, which drains into the Adriatic Sea and Lake Balaton (Petkovski and Karanovic 1997; Grigorovich et al. 2003). Ships originating in eastern Europe can potentially pick up this species and introduce it to the Great Lakes; however, this has not been observed (Grigorovich et al. 2003). Ectinosoma abrau produces resting stage eggs that are capable of surviving harsh conditions such as ballast water and sediment (Wonham et al. 2005). This species can tolerate salinities up to 30‰ (Aladin et al. 2008); Ectinosoma abrau is a marine organism so it is likely that it is capable of surviving overseas transport. Ectinosoma abrau does not currently occur in waters near the Great Lakes.

Ectinosoma abrau has a low probability of establishment if introduced to the Great Lakes (Confidence level: Moderate).

The native range of Ectinosoma abrau has similar climatic and abiotic conditions to that of the Great Lakes (Reid and Orlova 2002; Grigorovich et al. 2003; U.S. EPA 2008). Although it is a marine species, it is able to tolerate freshwater (Aladin et al. 2008).

There is not enough information on the diet of Ectinosoma abrau, its tolerance to various environmental conditions, fecundity, or the previous invasion history to fully predict its establishment to the Great Lakes basin. This species is euryhaline, and would likely benefit from the increased salinization of the Great Lakes due to climate change (Aladin et al. 2008). It is unknown how this species will interact with native species in the Great Lakes.

Mastitsky et al. (2014) did not find any evidence of E. abrau hosting high impact parasites that could endanger Great Lakes species. There is insufficient available information to determine whether Ectinosoma abrau poses a threat to other species or water quality. There are no reports on how it affects or interacts with other species.  No evidence of negative environmental impacts can be found for other locations where it is invasive.

There is little or no evidence to support that Ectinosoma abrau has the potential for significant socio-economic impact if introduced to the Great Lakes.

It has not been reported that Ectinosoma abrau poses a threat to human health or water quality. There is no evidence that this species negatively impacts infrastructure, economic sectors, recreational activities and associated tourism, or the aesthetic appeal of the areas it inhabits.

There is little or no evidence to support that Ectinosoma abrau has the potential for significant beneficial impacts if introduced to the Great Lakes.

This species is consumed by zooplanktivorous species, such as bleak (Alburnus alburnus) (Brio and Musko 1995) and may provide some value to the ecosystem as a potential food source. It has not been indicated that Ectinosoma abrau can be used for the control of other organisms or improving water quality. There is no evidence to suggest that this species is commercially, recreationally, or medically valuable.

There are no known regulations for this species.*

*Ballast water regulations applicable to this species are currently in place to prevent the introduction of nonindigenous species to the Great Lakes via shipping. See Title 33: Code of Federal Regulations, Part 151, Subparts C and D (33 CFR 151 C) for the most recent federal ballast water regulations applying to the Great Lakes and Hudson River.

Note: Check federal, state/provincial, and local regulations for the most up-to-date information.

Control

Biological
There are no known biological control methods for this species.

Physical
There are no known physical control methods for this species.

Chemical
There are no chemical control methods for this species.

Note: Check state/provincial and local regulations for the most up-to-date information regarding permits for control methods. Follow all label instructions.