Case Studies

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are a global threat which all professional and recreational boaters need to be aware of. Contamination in one port or body of water can easily spread to other regions where the AIS can adapt and damage the ecosystem. Preventing the potential movement of AIS is every boater's responsibility.




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Scientists Search for Invasive Marine Species
A team of 25 scientists surveying piers, docks and coves on the region's coast for invasive pests is documenting the growing problem of sea squirts as well as a newcomer, red alga, that's been spreading in southern New England.

The worst group in recent years has been sea squirts, or tunicates, which are spreading across New England, said Jan Smith of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.

"They're like a creeping mass and smother other things," he said. "We're finding it virtually everywhere and it's smothering native communities."

Follow the link to read the complete article.
http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20100731/APN/1007310623?p=1&tc=pg
Big Trouble from Little Squirts
WHOI scientist investigates a troublesome invasive species

“Alien vomit, that’s what kids call it,” Carman said. In fact, the cold, rubbery animal was a troublesome species of sea squirt that likely invaded the New England coast from Asia or Europe in the early 1990s.

Follow the link to read the complete article.
http://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/viewArticle.do?id=3940