The UK has a rich diversity of marine wildlife and is home to more than 44,000 species from basking sharks to jellyfish and tiny corals.
But that diversity is being threatened. New species are arriving in UK waters every year via container ships, accidental release or commercial fishing.
Most live in harmony with the pre-existing wildlife but some ‘invasive aliens’, as marine scientists refer to them, are disrupting native species and their habitats. Species like the zebra mussel and Chinese mitten crab have no native predators or competitors, and as a result, their populations can quickly multiply.
For full article and photos see: http://environment.uk.msn.com/wildlife/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=14280445
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