Viability of golden star tunicate fragments after high-pressure water treatment

Abstract

High-pressure water spray is one of the mitigation strategies used by mussel growers against invasive colonial tunicates fouling aquaculture gear. However, this treatment leads to fragmentation of tunicate colonies and can potentially lead to increased recolonization of adjacent suspended aquaculture gear. We demonstrate that colony fragments of the golden star tunicate ( Botryllus schlosseri) are viable for at least 18 days following high-pressure water treatment. Therefore, future studies need to investigate the fate of colonial tunicate fragments after high-pressure washing to determine fragment viability under field conditions. Potentially, mitigation strategies against colonial tunicates need to incorporate techniques ensuring fragment mortality.