Aquatic Invasive Species

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Invasions by aquatic invasive species (AIS) are a leading environmental problem. A key objective of governments is development of early detection screening programs for AIS. My research is dedicated to development of effective molecular screening programs that can identify AIS at exceptionally low abundances in nature. We will utilize next generation sequencing on samples obtained from ports and ballast water of ships to determine presence of very rare native and alien species. We will also study relationships between species richness (colonization pressure) and species abundance (propagule pressure) in port and ballast samples to determine the relative importance of these two parameters in facilitating invasions. We also will assess how colonization pressure and propagule pressure vary temporally in vessels conducting trans-Pacific or trans-Atlantic journeys, which may allow us to determine the relative importance of these two parameters to invasion success, and establish invasion risk to recipient ports in western and eastern Canada.