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Didemnum Tunicates / Sea Squirts (Didemnum vexillum)
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Species
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Distribution
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 Didemnum Tunicates/Sea Squirts Didemnum vexillum
Photo courtesy of Rohan Holt-CCW
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 No NBN location data available
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Impacts
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Pathways
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- Marine habitat changes through overgrowth of sedentary benthic organisms such seaweed, scallops, mussels, and oysters.
- Produces chemicals that deter most fish and other animals.
- Increases fouling of underwater structures such as docks, moorings, and boat hulls.
- Increased fouling also interferes with fishing, aquaculture, and other coastal and offshore activities including underwater archaeological sites such as ship wrecks.
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- Vectors for introduction are uncertain but fouling of ocean going vessels and/or contamination of aquaculture produce are possibilities.
- Once established, it can spread rapidly by both sexual reproduction and asexually by fragmentation of the colonies.
- Known growth on sedentary and mobile organisms such as crabs means it can become established through movement of shellfish for the aquaculture industry.
- Fouling on sea going vessels
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Management
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Prevention
Do not introduce into the wild. Take measures to ensure there is not transport of bilgewater between waterbodies and inspect boat hulls, trailers, outboard engines, I/O drive legs, water intakes, exhausts and trailers for infestation before moving between waterbodies.
Physical Control
Chemical Control
None
Biological Control
None
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Links
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Non Native Species Secretariat identification guide
Non Native Species Secretariat Fact Sheet
Invasive Species Ireland Fact Sheet
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