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My primary research interests lie in biological invasions, crustacean biology, community ecology, and the conservation of aquatic systems. Specifically, I am interested in the ecology and effects of the Australasian burrowing isopod (Sphaeroma quoianum) in estuaries on the Pacific coast of North America. |
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Marine Bioinvasions |
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Marine biological invasions are one of the premier threats to biodiversity and the integrity of marine systems. Invading organisms may affect marine systems by altering ecosystem processes and trophic dynamics, physically disturbing and degrading habitat, and directly competing or preying upon native species. When introduced into a new system, many invading organisms lack the same biological/environmental stressors that held their population in check in their native habitat. This phenomenon known as “ecological release” may explain why some introduced species adversely affect marine communities. For more information regarding introduced species please look at the Introduced Species of Oregon's Estuaries, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center or Invasivespecies.gov websites. |
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Sphaeroma quoianum The introduced Australasian burrowing isopod Sphaeroma quoianum (= S. quoyanum) is abundant in numerous estuaries along the Pacific Coast of North America. S. quoianum was likely introduced to San Francisco approximately 100-150 years ago and has since spread as far south as San Quintin Bay (Baja California; Menzies 1961) and far north as Yaquina Bay, Oregon (Davidson 2007). Sphaeroma quoianum can be distinguished from other estuarine sphaeromatid isopods by the presence of two longitudinal rows of 4-5 tubercles on the pleotelson, serrated outer uropods, and dense setae on the front pereopods. Sphaeroma quoianum burrow prodigiously into a variety of substrata and may exacerbate the rate of shoreline erosion in some areas and damage some marine structures. Sphaeroma quoianum was discovered in Coos Bay, Oregon in 1995 (Cohen and Carlton 1995). The prevalence of this detrimental bioeroder in Coos Bay may have ecological and economic implications for the region. My Master’s research examined the distribution, density, associated organisms, and substratum preference of S. quoianum in Coos Bay, Oregon. Click here or on the picture to see more.
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Click here for Research Pictures or here to view more on S. quoianum |