Rapid climate change is increasing shipping activity in the Arctic, raising the risk of harmful non-native marine species introductions. This study uses network analysis and data mining techniques to assess ballast water-mediated species introductions into and within the Arctic. High-risk connections between Arctic and non-Arctic ports are identified, along with the emergence of Arctic shipping hubs. The study considers how environmental conditions constrain the introduction network, and uses higher-order network analysis to identify critical shipping routes for within-Arctic dispersal. The framework can inform risk-based management of ship-borne invasive species in the Arctic.

Mandana Saebi, Jian Xu, Salvatore R. Curasi, Erin K. Grey, Nitesh V. Chawla, David M. Lodge