Great Lakes Center Seminar:

“Invasion by an Ecosystem Engineer Dramatically Alters Benthic Communities In and Out of Marine Reserves”

Dr. Dianna K. Padilla, Professor
State University of New York at Stony Brook

Marine reserves are the primary tool used to protect and preserve marine biodiversity and ecosystem function as well as near-shore fisheries. Introductions of non-native species are spreading and potentially threatening conservation gains. Among aquatic invaders, those that have ecosystem engineering effects, those species that, by their presence and activity, alter the environment or create new habitat, have the greatest potential to impact native communities. Professor Padilla will discuss her research on the spread and impacts of the nonnative Pacific oyster. This oyster is globally the most cultured shellfish species in aquaculture, and is currently an important invader on shores around the world. She has found that this invader is more abundant inside of marine reserves, and has greater impacts on biodiversity inside than outside of reserves. Her work illustrates the dangers of deliberate introductions of marine ecosystem engineers, including the proposed mass introductions of non-native oysters to restore ecosystem function.

Thursday, April 9, 2009
12:15–1:15 p.m.
Science Building 213
Students, staff and faculty welcome. Light refreshments will be served.