Effect of colonial tunicate presence on Ciona intestinalis recruitment within a mussel farming environment

Abstract

Aquatic invasive species decrease yields and increase costs in aquaculture operations worldwide. Anecdotal evidence from Prince Edward Island (PEI, Canada) estuaries suggested that recruitment of the non-indigenous solitary tunicate Ciona intestinalis may be lower on aquaculture gear where colonial tunicates (Botryllus schlosseri and Botrylloides violaceus) are already present. We tested this interspecific competition hypothesis by comparing C. intestinalis recruitment on un-fouled settlement plates to those pre-settled with Botryllus schlosseri or Botrylloides violaceus. C. intestinalis occurred on all plates after 2 month, but it was much more abundant (~80% coverage) on unfouled plates than on pre-settled plates (<10% coverage). However, C. intestinalis showed higher individual growth on pre-settled plates than on unfouled plates. High reproductive potential for C. intestinalis appears to result in rapid recruitment to control plates, but this may be impeded on pre-settled plates due to competition for space, negative settlement cues produced by the colonial tunicates, allelopathy or overgrowth.