Scientists scour Fundy for invasive tunicate

Marine scientists are searching the waters around Campobello and Deer islands for an invasive species that could devastate the local environment if it migrates into Canada.

'Without developing management methods for these tunicates, some of the industries that we currently have might not continue to be viable.' — Andrea Locke, scientist

A dozen scientists are on the lookout for an organism known as pancake batter tunicate, a filter feeder that anchors on the ocean bottom and is commonly known as a sea squirt.

The species is already in Eastport, Me., but as far as scientists believe it has not yet migrated up the coast and into Atlantic Canada.

Jennifer Martin, a scientist at the St. Andrews biological station, said a single organism was found near Deer Island and researchers are now trying to determine if it hitched a ride into Canada on a barge or if it came on the current.

The rocks and wharfs in the Bay of Fundy make an inviting home for the species, but Martin said it would devastate the environment if it spread through the region permanently.

"It can grow over a lot of the bivalve species, like scallops and mussels and clams," Martin said. "If it's introduced to an area it can affect the biodiversity."

She said these tunicates tend to move slowly and need help getting around.

The marine scientist said with the local tides and the strong currents, she said it is "very realistic" for these organisms to travel from the United States and into Canada.

So far, Martin's collection of tunicates is from the United States and they remain in jars.

"It looks like pancake batter. It kind of drools and dribbles over rocks and the terrain, it can be white or yellow or pink," she said.

P.E.I. scientist joins search

Prince Edward Island's mussel industry has suffered from other species of invasive tunicates.

Andrea Locke, another marine scientist, said the tunicates are impossible to get rid of once they're established in an environment.

She said she is hoping to learn more about the pancake batter variety to help in the fight against tunicates on Prince Edward Island.

"Without developing management methods for these tunicates, some of the industries that we currently have might not continue to be viable," Locke said.