Chris Bartlett described the Rapid Assessment project which took place in Cobscook Bay in August 2005. A group of scientists looked at piers and pilings in the area to identify any non-native species. During this project, Larry Harris, a researcher who has been working on urchin issues in the area for years, wanted to check out a report of a potential invasive species, Didemnum. Bruce McInnis had reported a sighting of a “pancake batter” type substance that he found while dragging in the Toll Bridge area of Cobscook Bay. Didemnum is an invasive tunicate. When Larry Harris dove in the Toll Bridge area, he did find Didemnum in patches. Fishermen were asked to please report any sightings of this species.
A final report has not yet been released for the Rapid Assessment project.
Some Forum participants wondered what the implication of finding Didemnum is for Cobscook Bay and if this species could be expected to crowd other species out. At this time we don’t really know what Didendum will do in Cobscook Bay. In Georges Bank this species has spread from covering 4 square miles of bottom to covering 40 square miles. In the Damariscotta River, Didemnum has been present for many years and maintains its patchy distribution.