Using Technology to Assess the Invasive Sea Squirt, Didemnum vexillum, Impacts on Fisheries and Ecosystems

Lead Pi: Franz Hover · 2/2010 - 1/2014

Project Personnel: Judith Pederson, Emmanuel Boss, Robert Whitlatch

Northeast Regional
Project number: 2010-R/RCM-29-REG
Strategic Focus Area: Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Safe and Sustainable Seafood Supply
AUV Didemnum Optical Sensors

Researchers will develop and test optical sensors for rapid spatial surveys that detect the invasive sea squirt, Didemnum. The sensors will be adapted for MITSGís autonomous underwater vehicle Odyssey IV, with the long-term goal of refining the conceptual model of Didemnum as an ecological engineer and exploring options for ecosystem-based management that evaluate the impact of Didemnum and help fisheries managers ensure a sustainable fishery.