Cysts are an aquatic version of tree seeds that, in this specific case,
allow microorganisms to survive confinement in darkened
ballast -
water tanks.
Ocean acidification, rising ocean temperatures, declining sea ice, and other environmental changes interact to affect the location and abundance of marine fish, including those that are commercially important, those used as food by other species, and those used for subsistence.16, 17,18,122,19,20,21 These changes have
allowed some near - surface fish species such as salmon to expand their ranges northward along the Alaskan coast.124, 125,126 In addition, non-native species are invading Alaskan
waters more rapidly, primarily through ships releasing
ballast waters and bringing southerly species to Alaska.5, 127 These species introductions could affect marine ecosystems, including the feeding relationships of fish important to commercial and subsistence fisheries.