OLI Grant: Exploratory grant for research at the Liquid Jungle Laboratory: Ascidiacea of Panama, Pacific Side
Grant Funded: 2005
Ascidians are a growing global problem and yet, a potential asset.
Ascidians are marine invertebrate chordates that live from the
shoreline to deep water attached to hard surfaces and that use a system
of incurrent and excurrent siphons to filter feed on phytoplankton in
the water column. Nonindigenous ascidian species are currently invading
several parts of the world, biofouling coastal environments by
encrusting many types of artificial and natural substrates. Both
solitary and colonial invasive species can thrive in protected bays and
harbors and dominate the fauna. Some invasive species smother clams and
are a threat to shellfish aquaculture. On the other hand, people in
many countries eat ascidians. Plus, biomedical research has discovered
antibodies in some ascidians that destroy the AIDS virus, tumors, and
other diseases debilitating and deadly to humans.
Increasing anthropogenic nitrogen pollution levels in the last 20-40
years, are associated with an increase in the abundance of invasive,
nonindigenous species of ascidians in tropical waters. The spread of
non-endemic species of ascidians has been attributed to the shipping
industry. The Panama Canal draws a large number of ships, thus
increasing the chances of nonindigenous species being introduced to the
area. We propose to do research on these important organisms in the
tropical waters at the Liquid Jungle Lab (LJL). The pristine quality of
the LJL area may be home to a more native population of ascidians,
whereas a polluted area elsewhere in Panama may contain a fauna
dominated by non-endemic species. Our previous work on ascidians and
involvement with current research provides the background for us to
initiate exploratory work at the LJL. There are three main areas of
ascidian study that we would like to pursue: natural products, invasive
species ecology, and relationship to pollution.
Originally published: February 1, 2005