Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 79 (2): 263-278, 2006
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Native and non-indigenous boring polychaetes in Chile: a threat to native and commercial
mollusc species
Boring polychaetes infesting the shells of aquacultured molluscs affect host fitness and
cause serious economic problems for the aquaculture industry. In Chile, knowledge of the native and non-indigenous polychaete fauna
associated with mollusc hosts is limited, in spite of the fact that numerous native and nonindigenous mollusc species are actively
harvested. We present the first complete list of boring polychaete species present in Chile, with a review of the information regarding
each species’ status as a native or nonindigenous species (NIS), together with information on native and introduced ranges, affected
host species, likely vectors of introduction and donor areas. We recorded a total of nine boring polychaetes present along the Chilean
coast including native and NIS. Within the NIS category we provide the first published report of the Sabellid Terebrasabella
heterouncinata in South America. Boring polychaetes utilized both native and introduced host species. The finding of polychaete
species which utilized multiple native and NIS hosts, indicates a potential risk for spread between aquaculture facilities and the natural
environment. Our analysis suggests that aquaculture activities are probably the primary introduction vector for boring polychaete
species to Chile and that this region does not differ in the magnitude of introduced boring polychaetes relative to other regions of the
world. We discuss current laws and management regarding polychaete infestations and make recommendations for future
management in Chile, which should contemplate a rational compromise between the socio-economic needs of the country and plans
to protect and preserve the nation’s biodiversity.
Key words:
Bioinvasions,
legislation, management, NIS, Southeastern Pacific
