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What are invasive tunicates?
The Pacific Northwest is home to several species of tunicates which are native
to the Northwest and are not harmful. And, unless you’re a marine biologist,
you may not pay much attention to them. It’s
hard to believe, but these gooey, gelatinous invertebrates are actually animals.
Some species live in colonies and others live as individuals.
Non-native tunicates moving in
In the past few years, many rapidly reproducing
species of invasive tunicates have become problems around
the world. In Puget Sound, scientists have identified at
least three different species of non-native tunicates that
have moved into the region. These invaders pose a threat
to marine habitat and interfere with commercial and recreational
shellfishing and other types of aquaculture. With no natural
predators to keep their populations in check,
these tunicates grow prolifically and smother native sea
life.
Three non-native tunicate species currently
pose a problem in Puget Sound waters:
- Club tunicate (Styela
clava)
- Colonial tunicate (Didemnum) - information not yet available
- Transparent tunicates (Ciona
savignyi) - information
not yet available
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