Invasiveness risks of the shimofuri goby (Tridentiger bifasciatus) in Great Britain

Invasive species risk assessment tools are a vital means of identifying taxa likely to be introduced and cause adverse effects within a specified area, allowing for the preparation of targeted management strategies.Following the first report of the shimofuri goby (Tridentiger bifasciatus) in Europe, a risk assessment was undertaken for this species for Great Britain using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK).This was achieved by the completion of two risk screenings, one undertaken for England and Wales, and another for Scotland.The results of this assessment place the shimofuri goby in a category of medium risk for both assessed areas.The shimofuri goby's adaptable nature and ability to change its reproductive strategy in response to climatic conditions increase the likelihood of the species persisting and proliferating within the area after introduction.However, the species' inability to survive in marine salinities reduced the score for likelihood of its introduction, and its small size and generalist nature coupled with a lack of available evidence made the prediction of specific impacts difficult.In addition, the extent of suitable habitat for this species is likely to expand throughout Great Britain under predicted climate change, thus increasing the risk of its establishment and potential impacts..