SOUTH COAST & CHANNEL ISLANDS
‘Sea-vomit’ found
An invasive sea-squirt has been discovered at Jersey’s Elizabeth Marina.
The Carpet Sea-Squirt (Didemnum vexillum), known as Sea-Vomit, was found in four small colonies under several pontoons in May during routine monitoring with an underwater camera, then spotted attached to boats in the marina. Samples sent to Marine Scotland experts confirmed its presence.
Alastair Christie, senior scientific officer for invasive species in Jersey, said: “It’s a concern as it may have some impacts on aquaculture businesses in damaging stocks, marine leisure in increasing the fouling of boat hulls, and also upon our native marine ecology as a competitor with our existing marine species.”
It is hoped that swift removal, followed by continued
