Invasive Carpet Sea-squirt - be on the lookout
04 November 2011
The invasive
Carpet Sea-squirt (Didemnum vexillum) has recently
been found along the north Kent coast. This immobile tube-like
invertebrate occurs in colonies, and has been introduced into
British waters through aquaculture equipment, hull fouling and ship
ballast water.
The Carpet Sea-squirt grows very quickly. It has been found to
carpet whole marine communities in areas that it has invaded,
having a significant impact on biodiversity and species richness.
It particularly likes to grow on hard surfaces and can become a
real problem to marine industries.
It has no impact on human health.
Those work directly in the marine environment should remain
vigilant for this and other invasive species. The species
description document from the Non-native Species Secretariat
(NNSS) provides detailed pictures and information about this
species' appearance, etc.
For those working along the north Kent coast in
particular, please be aware of this issue and take special
care to clean, disinfect and preferably dry equipment after use in
the area. Hypochlorite has been found to be an effective
disinfectant.
If you find any examples of this species, please
report them directly to the NNSS.