Early detection and rapid response plans are a set of principles to reduce the establishment, spread and impact of invasive species and it is a critical step in management in marine ecosystems. Two potentially invasive ascidians attached to the hull of a recently sunk fishing vessel were early detected in Patagonia. With the aim of assisting in the management decision-making process during the early steps of a rapid response, we conducted several analyses through different approaches. First, we identified the species through classic taxonomical and genetic analyses. Then, we evaluated the regional and international shipping connectivity to study potential donor regions and finally, we used species distribution models (SDMs) to predict the potential distribution of these species. The potentially invasive ascidians were identified as Styela clava and Styela plicata, and this is the first record for both species in the Nuevo gulf, Patagonia Argentina. Both species have a widespread distribution around the world with strong ecological and economic impacts documented. Shipping traffic analysis suggested that S. plicata could have arrived by secondary spread from regional ports, while the arrival of S. clava was likely to be associated with international shipping traffic. Furthermore, the SDM predicted that S. clava has suitable coastal areas along the entire Southwestern Atlantic shoreline, where it is currently absent. On the contrary, the SDM predicted that further southward spread of S. plicata is unlikely, being limited by the minimum annual temperature. We discussed the different approaches, tools, and expertise integrated in this work in the light of the decision-making process for the early detection of marine invasive species in the Southwestern Atlantic. Moreover, we call attention to the increased creation of artificial habitats through the intentional sinking of ships and the potential consequences of these actions in the conservation of marine ecosystems.

早期发现和快速反应计划是减少入侵物种的建立、传播和影响的一套原则，它是海洋生态系统管理的关键步骤。在巴塔哥尼亚早期发现了附着在最近沉没的渔船船体上的两种潜在入侵海鞘。为了在快速响应的早期阶段协助管理决策过程，我们通过不同的方法进行了多项分析。首先，我们通过经典的分类学和遗传分析确定了物种。然后，我们评估了区域和国际航运连通性以研究潜在的捐助区域，最后，我们使用物种分布模型 (SDM) 来预测这些物种的潜在分布。潜在侵入性海鞘被确定为Styela clava和Styela plicata，这是阿根廷巴塔哥尼亚新湾这两种物种的首次记录。这两个物种在世界各地都有广泛分布，并记录了强烈的生态和经济影响。航运交通分析表明，S. plicata可能是通过区域港口的二次传播到达的，而S. clava的到来可能与国际航运有关。此外，SDM 预测S. clava沿着整个西南大西洋海岸线有合适的沿海地区，目前没有。相反，SDM 预测S. plicata进一步向南传播不太可能，受年最低气温的限制。我们根据早期检测西南大西洋海洋入侵物种的决策过程，讨论了这项工作中整合的不同方法、工具和专业知识。此外，我们呼吁关注通过故意沉没船只而增加的人工栖息地，以及这些行动对海洋生态系统保护的潜在后果。