What to Look For
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) are species that enter into new ecosystems and spread, causing damage to native species and their habitants. These species are spread beyond their normal distribution, often as a result of human activities, and can threaten valuable environmental, agricultural or personal resources by the damage they cause.
Botrylloides violaceus, originates from Asia. First observed in Nova Scotia in the 1990s and in the Gulf of St. Lawrence by Prince Edward Island in 2002.
• Colour varies and may appear white, yellow, orange, violet or reddish-brown
• Dense colonies of several microscopic individuals known as zooids
• Small pieces can regenerate if settled
• May out-compete other organisms for food and space, altering natural community dynamics
• Threaten aquaculture, fishing and other coastal and offshore activities
• Increase the weight of aquaculture cultivation equipment, making work more demanding
• Increase operating costs for shellfish producers and processors