The Issue
Invasive species are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, competing with native organisms for limited resources, and altering habitats. CCFHR is working to develop invasive species forecasts and tools including risk assessments of invasiveness, ecological and economic impact assessments, and invader life history and ecological profiling.
This information is providing coastal managers with tools for designing monitoring programs and establishing preventive and mitigative strategies for coastal invasive species.
Research Focus
- Indo-Pacific Lionfish (Pterois miles and P. volitans)
- Development of early detection and rapid response programs
- Life history studies of non-native marine ornamental species
- Non-native colonial tunicates of the Northeast U.S
- Asian tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)