January 2011 - Update

The carpet sea squirt (Didemnum vexillum) is an invasive non-native species of colonial sea squirt that has recently been found in Scotland. The potential ecological and economic impacts of this species are significant. This project involved a series of surveys of the marinas, harbours and natural substrates thought to be most at risk from establishment of this sea squirt. D.vexillum was found at one location only: within the Largs Channel in the Firth of Clyde. In places, it was growing abundantly on man-made structures such as pontoons, piers and mooring chains. The results of these surveys will inform management policy for dealing with this species in Scotland, as well as the wider UK policy for response.