Invasion of the Sea Squirts

  • Thread starter Rach3
  • Start date
It's not just some amorphous blob.In summary, a sea squirt invasion has been causing significant economic impact by suffocating shellfish and lobsters in the Sound. Biologists are considering using chlorine or vinegar to kill the creatures, but first they plan to study the potential effects on other marine life. This highlights the larger issue of destruction of ocean resources for quick profit, as discussed in a related article.
  • #1
Rach3
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060525/ap_on_sc/sea_squirt_invasion

Look at the picture! It's an animal apparently. :eek:

"This thing has the potential for causing significant economic impact when it attaches to the floor of the Sound, where it blankets and suffocates shellfish and lobsters," said Ivar Babb, director of UConn's Undersea Research Center at Avery Point in Groton.
"This thing is ugly," Babb said. "It has no socially redeeming virtues."

Odd thing for a biologist to say...
 
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  • #2
If the scientists don't find bigger quantities of the blob-like creature, they might use chlorine or vinegar to kill it. First, however, they plan to study the effect those substances might have on other marine life native to the Sound.

Vinegar. Interesting. Does significantly lowering the pH of a marine enviorment do any damage? Let's do a study and find out! :confused:
 
  • #3
I hope they can be contained. They sound like a real problem.

On a slightly separate note -

There is a serious problem with the destruction of sea life. The attached is a very good article. The rate at which ocean resources are being destroyed for a quick profit is very disturbing.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/22/opinion/edbowring.php
 
  • #4
Rach3 said:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060525/ap_on_sc/sea_squirt_invasion

Look at the picture! It's an animal apparently. :eek:
Of course it's an animal. I can clearly discern well-formed fingers with nails at the ends.
 
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1. What are sea squirts?

Sea squirts, also known as tunicates, are small marine animals that belong to the phylum Chordata. They are filter feeders that attach themselves to hard surfaces such as rocks, shells, or other marine organisms.

2. How do sea squirts invade new areas?

Sea squirts reproduce by releasing larvae into the water, which can then settle and grow into new colonies in different areas. They can also be transported by boats, aquaculture equipment, or other marine activities.

3. What impact do sea squirts have on the environment?

Sea squirts can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment. As filter feeders, they can help to improve water quality by removing excess nutrients. However, their rapid growth and ability to smother other marine organisms can disrupt ecosystems and harm native species.

4. Can sea squirts be controlled or eradicated?

While it is difficult to completely eradicate sea squirts, there are methods that can be used to control their population. These include physical removal, chemical treatments, and the introduction of natural predators. However, these methods can also have unintended consequences and must be carefully considered.

5. What research is being done on sea squirts?

Scientists are studying various aspects of sea squirts, including their reproductive biology, genetics, and potential uses in biotechnology. There is also ongoing research on effective management strategies to prevent the spread of invasive sea squirts and mitigate their impacts on marine ecosystems.

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