Page updated on 09/27/07
 

Marine Invasive Species in the Gulf of Maine
What Is Here, Where Have You Seen It, and What Can We Do?
 

    
     Fishermen are on the water every day, and they are often the first to observe changes in the marine environment – changes that invasive species researchers are eager to record. Participants in this session learned how to identify some of the most common marine invasive species and harmless look-alike species, and how they could help to track the movements of these invaders throughout the Gulf of Maine. Judy Pederson, an invasive species researcher at MIT Sea Grant, provided information on common marine invasive species in the Gulf of Maine, such as the widespread colonial tunicate, Didemnum sp. (a.k.a. “pancake batter”). She presented current research on what is known (and what is still a mystery) about how these species reproduce and interact with other organisms, and about possible impacts on commercially valuable species. Jim Wadsworth, an urchin buyer from Camden, presented his own observations and information from Maine urchin divers on recent changes they have observed in near shore environments. Elizabeth Stephenson, coordinator of the Maine Marine Invasive Species Working Group, described the activities of this diverse group, and discussed priorities for the coming year. All session participants were invited to record their observations of invasive species on a large map of the Maine coast, and Dr. Pederson described several other ways to help capture this important information.