Current Research
1. Copper tolerance in invasive ascidians
2. Mechanisms behind the explosive growth of the tunicate Trididemnum solidum in the Caribbean
Copper tolerance in invasive ascidians
Invasive ascidians (also "tunicates" or sea squirts") are among the most problematic biofouling organisms in marine environments. The costs of biofouling to shipping, harbors, and industrial systems exceeds tens of millions of dollars per year in the U.S. alone. The use of antifouling compounds such as copper-based paints can partially mitigate biofouling, but has resulted in greatly increased input of heavy metals and other toxins to inland waterways, ports, and bays. In response to metal toxicity, California has recently moved to ban copper antifouling paint.
My research aims to understand the relationship between metal pollution and ascidian invasion. Are there tradeoffs between antifoulant use and biological invasion control? I am asking the following questions:
1. Do high levels of dissolved copper lead to the establishment and success of invasive ascidians?
2. What is the mechanism of invasive ascidian tolerance to copper?
3. Can the response of fouling communities to changing copper levels be predicted?
Urban harbors are at the nexus of policy, ecology, and urban planning. They must be managed for a variety of uses, from shipping to recreational fishing. Both toxic contamination and invasive ascidian fouling interfere with the ecology and economic viability of an urban waterfront. Understanding the potential synergistic effects between heavy metal pollution and ascidian invasion is critical to maintaining the highest possible biodiversity and habitat value.
Mechanisms behind the explosive growth of the tunicate Trididemnum solidum in the Caribbean
Please see this informal writeup in my blog.