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Author Analytic: Morris, James A., Jr., Mary R. Carman, K. Elaine Hoagland, Emma R. M. Green-Beach and Richard C. Karney.
Center: CCFHR
Team: Beaufort
Title Analytic: Impact of the invasive colonial tunicate Didemnum vexillum on the recruitment of the bay scallop (Argopecten irradians irradians) and implications for recruitment of the sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) on Georges Bank.
Journal Title: Aquatic Invasions
Date of Publication: 2009
Volume ID: 4
Location In Work: 207-211.
 Location URL: http://www.aquaticinvasions.net/2009/AI_2009_4_1_Morris_etal.pdf
Notes: CCFHR reprint #1631, 515 Form on file, As seen in NCCOS Weekly Report March 4, 2009
Keywords: CCFHR, NOAA Oceans, Invasive species
Type: Journal Article
 Abstract: The invasive colonial tunicate Didemnum vexillum has become widespread in New England waters, colonizing large areas of shell-gravel bottom on Georges Bank including commercial sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus)grounds. Didemnum vexillum colonies are also fouling coastal shellfish aquaculture gear which increases maintenance costs and may affect shellfish growth rates. We hypothesized that D. vexillum will continue to spread and may affect shellfish larval settlement and survival. We conducted a laboratory experiment to assess interactions between larval bay scallops (Argopectin irradians irradians) and D. vexillum. We found that larval bay scallops avoid settling on D. vexillum colonies, possibly deterred by the low pH of the tunicate's surface tissue. The results of this study suggest that widespread colonization of substrata by D. vexillum could affect scallop recruitment by reducing the area of quality habitats available for settlement. We propose that the bay scallop can serve as a surrogate for the sea scallop in estimating the negative impact D. vexillum could have on the recruitment of sea scallops on Georges Bank.
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