Biological synopsis of the solitary tunicate, Ciona intestinalis / by C.E. Carver, A.L. Mallet and B. Vercaemer. : Fs97-4/2746E-PDF

The solitary ascidian Ciona intestinalis is native to northern European waters but now occurs worldwide from sub-Arctic to tropical regions. Apart from Scandinavian waters where it may dominate the epibenthic community, it typically occurs as an opportunistic fouling organism on artificial substrates in harbours or in association with aquaculture equipment. Over the last decade population outbreaks have been observed at multiple sites along the south shore of Nova Scotia, and similar outbreaks are now threatening the PEI mussel industry already dealing with an infestation of the clubbed tunicate Styela clava. The life history strategy of C. intestinalis is characterized by rapid growth (20 mm.mo-1), early maturation (8-10 wk) and high reproductive output (>10,000 eggs.ind-1). These characteristics, along with the ability to survive under adverse conditions of low flow and/or high turbidity, allow it to exploit and dominate new substrates at the expense of other fouling species. Given that larvae have limited dispersal capability, range extensions are likely facilitated by juveniles or adults hitchhiking on floating debris or the hulls of commercial and recreational vessels. A comprehensive risk management strategy is needed to curb the continued spread of C. intestinalis, and control measures are required to mitigate the negative impacts of population outbreaks on the aquaculture industry.

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