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Squirts spread to Scotland
11 February 2010
Scientists are concerned that newly present carpet sea squirts in Scotland could damage the environment.
The invasive species, didemnum vexillim, was found recently at Largs, in the Firth of Clyde. Chris Beveridge of the Scottish Association for Marine Science, who made the discovery, said:
"The sea squirt may have been brought into Largs Yacht Haven on the hulls of leisure craft which have travelled from Wales or Ireland, where it is already established.
"It could be a real menace for all users of the marine environment if it spreads up the coast, with considerable economic impact."
The spongy-textured, flat-shaped carpet sea squirt is mustardy-beige or orangy yellow in colour. Thought to have originated in Japan, it reproduces quickly and smothers other marine life.
Colonies in Europe, Canada and New Zealand have been classed as economic and environmental threats.
A research programme has been put in place to monitor the squirt’s progress in Scottish waters and how it might be dealt with.
The work will be funded by Scottish Natural Heritage and Marine Scotland.
Related link
Welsh sea squirts threat
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