Science and Technology Magnet High School

Advanced Topics in Environmental Science (College Level Course)

Long Island Sound Invasive Species Study

In June of 2007 students hung concrete rings off the Pier in New London, CT. Rings were collected in September. The rings were colonized by a variety of organisms, most notably invasive solitary and compound tunicates and a heavy investation of the amphipod species from Japan, Caprella mutica, commonly called the skeleton shrimp.

Swimming juvenile Caprella mutica Skeleton shrimp

This video demonstrates the phytoplankton eating abilities of a large colony of invasive tunicates.