Are Sea Squirts a Threat to Marine Life?

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The discussion centers around the invasion of a sea squirt species in Long Island Sound, which poses a significant threat to local marine life, particularly shellfish and lobsters. Ivar Babb, director of UConn's Undersea Research Center, highlights the economic impact of this creature, noting its ability to blanket and suffocate marine organisms. There are concerns about potential control measures, such as using chlorine or vinegar, and the need for studies to assess the impact of these substances on native marine life. The conversation also touches on broader issues regarding the destruction of ocean resources for profit, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action in marine conservation.
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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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:
 
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
 
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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