Fisheries Research Articles
Catch me if you can! The story of a colonial ascidian’s takeover bid in Western Australia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-15-2014
Journal Title
BioInvasions Records
ISSN
2242-1300
Keywords
sea squirt, non-indigenous species, monitoring, invasive species, temperate
Disciplines
Aquaculture and Fisheries | Biosecurity
Abstract
In 2010, Didemnum perlucidum F. Monniot, 1983, a potentially invasive colonial ascidian, was found for the first time in Western Australia (WA). During routine introduced marine pest monitoring along the WA coast in 2011–2012, the Department of Fisheries confirmed additional disjunct populations in a span of ~ 2,800 km along the coast. Colonies of the ascidian were apparently flourishing in water temperatures from tropical through to temperate. Colour was not a reliable detection method for this colonial ascidian. Colonies in winter showed the expected senescence, becoming smaller, friable and often partially detached from the substrate. While winter monitoring would reduce likelihood of detection, it may present the best opportunity for eradication. Due to the widespread distribution, eradication of D. perlucidum is now unlikely. However, implementing local control measures to protect high value areas, such as marine parks or protected areas, from incursions remains feasible. A robust monitoring program is vital to detecting D. perlucidum early in its invasion history, and that would provide the best opportunity for local eradication effort.
Recommended Citation
Bridgwood, S D,
Munoz, J,
and
McDonald, J I.
(2014), Catch me if you can! The story of a colonial ascidian’s takeover bid in Western Australia. BioInvasions Records, 3 (4), 217-223.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/fr_fja/193
