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 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 netwo

SUBMITTER: Pinochet J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12365233 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature