Solving the Mystery of Tunicates

At the University of Prince Edward Island, researcher Sarah Stewart-Clark’s work with tunicates, one of the ocean’s most diverse and abundant invertebrate species, is helping invasive species experts across the globe identify uninvited guests in their respective aquatic ecosystems.

That the foreign species are problematic to the survival of native aquatic residents is well known.  The obstacle is identifying which ones should be of concern given that identification through physical traits alone has proven difficult, if not impossible.

That’s where Sarah and her University of Prince Edward Island based International Tunicate DNA Bank prove invaluable as a depository for DNA samples from around the world and a reliable resource for colleagues working to solve the tunicate crisis in their own waters, whether domestic or non-domestic.

“We house tunicate DNA samples from around the world,” explains Sarah. “CAISN helped us develop this resource, and their researchers are substantial contributors to the bank.”

As CAISN’s initial series of projects begins to wind down, Sarah hopes to continue working with her colleagues at CAISN, hopefully in the beneficial dynamic that only an organized network can provide.

“I'm not sure how we can keep funding the International Tunicate DNA Bank but I know that it is a really important resource for our region to have.” Sarah stresses.  “When new invasions occur, we already have samples here from other parts of the world to compare the foreign species to. Without the collaborations and samples from the CAISN network work like this would not be possible at such an efficient speed. This is the strength of the network.”

Introducing Dr. David Lodge

For those of you planning on attending the Annual General Meeting in Victoria next, we're looking forward to seeing you. For those of you still undecided, perhaps an introduction to Dr. David Lodge, a speaker at this year's conference, could get you there.

David M. Lodge is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Director of the Center for Aquatic Conservation an Director of the new Environmental Change Initiative at the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on ecosystem services and ecological forecasting to better inform environmental risk analysis and management. Dr. Lodge completed his D.Phil. at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, is an Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow, and was the first chair of the US national Invasive Species Advisory Committee.

The AGM Abstract: AIS: Problems and Solutions, Science and Management

After two decades of increased research on invasive species, both scientists and natural resource managers have a much better understanding of causes and consequences of invasions than a generation ago. As a reflection of a broader shift within ecology and other biological disciplines, the most recent research has been more applied than earlier research. Thus, not only has our understanding of invasions increased, but we also now have more concepts and tools potentially useful to prevent and manage invasions. I will argue, however, that many policies have not kept pace with the scientific capacity of improved management. Continued consequences include unnecessary new invasions, expansion of existing invasions, and permanent loss of ecosystem services. I will review advances in understanding for each stage of invasion (pathway, introduction, establishment, spread, impact) and policies and management steps that could decrease the probability of invasion success at each invasion step. I will emphasize the role of recent and on-going research in identifying better and more cost effective alternative management strategies including improved surveillance technologies (e.g. eDNA), management of propagule pressure, trait based species screening, and bioeconomic analysis to improve cost effectiveness at every management step.

For more information about Dr. Lodge and his efforts to better understand and prevent AIS, visit the following sites:

University of Notre Dame Center for Aquatic Conservation

Lodge Lab

Dr. Lodge's recent book Bioeconomics of Invasive Species: Integrating, Ecology, Economics, Policy and Management is available for review and purchase here.

A Vector Revealed

A CAISN study by Norman Yan and Erika Weisz has revealed some interesting information about the spread of Bythotrephes longimanus in Canadian Shield lakes.  The findings, presented in a paper recently published by the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, could have a major influence on preventing the further spread of the tiny invader to other lakes in the delicate aquatic ecosystem.

Read the paper here. You may be surprised at what Dr. Yan and Ms. Weisz have uncovered!

CAISN Connections: Part I

As the warm sun slowly begins to thaw this frozen land, most of us have our mind's eye set on a welcoming morning sun peeking over the horizon, days spent lazing on one of our countless lakes and evenings spent with family and friends on outdoor patios.

Unless you're CAISN associate André Rochon, who's conducting groundbreaking research into the presence of Dinoflagellete species inhabiting the frigid waters of our northern ocean. He and his colleague's results will eventually be published as a visual guide  so that future AIS investigators working in labs can quickly discern what is invasive and what is not.

While this research is not funded by CAISN, André believes that his involvement with CAISN in the past has been an immeasurable benefit to his current efforts to monitor and document AIS in Canadian waters.

For more information about his research with the University of Quebec, check out his website at here.

Victoria, Naturally.

Long thought of as one of North America's most beautiful cities, Victoria, B.C. boasts a youthful energy that mingles seamlessly with time-honoured traditions. It's stunning and pristine natural setting delivers harbour views, historically ornate architecture and  cultivated gardens.

With this amazing setting and  rich marine heritage, it is the natural location for the 2010 Annual General Meeting.

The four-day gathering will bring together some of the brightest men and women in the field of Aquatic Invasive Species.  You'll find the opportunity to meet some of your colleagues in the field; you can share your ideas and successes.

While you're there, take the time to visit the Royal B.C. Museum to take in the Aquatic Invasive Species Exhibit, an interactive and educational exhibit made possible through the support of Environment Canada.

For more information about the City of Victoria, check our the 

Official City of Victoria Tourism Site.

                                                   

ICES Annual Science Conference

International Conference for the Exploration of the Sea

Annual Science Conference

Nantes, France

September 20-24, 2010

Register: Here

Named "the most livable city in all of Europe" by Time magazine, the historic city of Nantes lies on the banks of the Loire River, just 50 kilometres from the Atlantic coast. Along its ancient roads and in its bustling squares you'll find boutiques, theatres, castles, churches and mosques; in its cafes and restaurants you'll experience regional cuisine that is the envy of the culinary world.

This year's annual science conference will feature invasive species experts from around the world, including CAISN's own Dr, Hugh MacIsaac. This international event provides you the unique opportunity to meet colleagues from around the world and we encourage everyone in the Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network to attend.

Hugh MacIsaac In Hamilton

On Saturday, May 8th, CAISN's Hugh MacIsaac will appear at the Bay Area Restoration Council Spring Workshop to share our research into the AIS phenomena. He will be joined by fellow noted experts Thys Theysemer, Jennifer Nalbone and Lindsay Chadderton.

For more information, visit www.hamiltonharbour.ca

Mountain Lakes and AIS

On Wednesday, April 28, CAISN will host an outreach exhibit event at the Royal BC Museum beginning at noon, starting with a public lecture in the museum's auditorium by Dr. David Schindler, University of Alberta. The exhibit will be displayed in the adjacent museum lobby. All are welcome.

David Schindler is a Professor of Ecology at the University of Alberta. His research interests include the study of fisheries management in mountain lakes, effects of climate change and UV radiation in lakes, and global carbon and nitrogen budgets. His work has been widely used in formulating ecologically sound management policy in Canada, the USA and in Europe. 

We Know We Got It If You Can Spot It.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Identification Booklet presents the principal species that have invaded certain marine environments in Eastern Canada. It provides information on how to recognize these species and what you can do to keep them from spreading and becoming established.

This booklet is the outcome of a collaborative effort involving the four Fisheries and Oceans Canada regions in Eastern Canada (Quebec, Gulf, Maritimes and Newfoundland and Labrador), with coordination provided by the Quebec region. It is part of a broader project to raise public awareness about the importance of taking action to limit the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species, which pose a threat to both ecology and the economy.

The identification booklet, which has been available in paper format for just under a year, aims to inform the principal users of the marine environment to help them rapidly identify any invaders. These users – whether they are fishers, divers, aquaculturers, vacationers, harvesters or sailors – are the eyes of Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the water, and work in close collaboration with biologists in the various maritime areas. This collaboration is essential if we are to protect not only ecosystems but also the fisheries and aquaculture industry.