ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Magnificent Bryozoan (Pectinatella magnifica)
Bryozoans are microscopic colonial invertebrates that live in aquatic habitats. A majority of Bryozoans live in marine habitats; bryozoans in the class Phylactoaemata are exclusively found in freshwater environments, magnificent bryozoan being one of the few found in freshwater. Bryozoan colonies have been found within the SLELO PRISM including Deer Creek, Salmon River Estuary and the Upper and Lower Lakes WMA.
Reproduction:
Bryozoa reproduce both sexually and asexually. A colony begins with the introduction of a single individual called a zooid that hatches from a hard seed-like structure called a “statoblast,” from this structure the zooid reproduces asexually creating a small colony of identical individuals. The small colony then secretes a watery fluid that hardens forming their unique gelatinous structure. As the population of zooids within a colony grows, reproduction occurs asexually forming visible rosettes of 10-18 individuals. Young bryozoan colonies are capable of fusing together before their gelatinous skeleton hardens forming large masses of multiple genotypes. Colonies of magnificent bryozoan can grow more than two feet across and form slimy translucent brown masses that are often found attached to floating sticks or an underwater substrate; in rare occasions bryozoan can be found free floating. Each zooid found within a colony has separate body parts, but share certain tissues and fluids with unify them. It is impossible to see individual zooids within a colony with the naked eye.
Food:
Bryozoa are filter feeders that feed on phytoplankton using a specialized organ called a lophophore which is shown in the diagram above. Individual zooids may filter an average of 8.8 ml of water/ day.
Fun Facts:
Bryozoans a variety of chemical compounds that may have medicinal uses; a compound called drug bryostatin 1 is produced by a common marine bryozoan and is currently being tested for its ability to treat cancer.
Photo Credits:
First title photo:Leslie J. Mehrhoff (bugwood.org). Second title photo: (U.S. Geological Survey Archive). Identification photo: Dr. Timothy S. Wood (Department of biological sciences, Wright University).
Resources:
Dana Campbell. “Magnificent Bryozoan (Pectinatella Magnifica) – Information on Magnificent Bryozoan – Encyclopedia of Life.”Encyclopedia of Life. Encyclopedia of Life Community, n.d. Web. 22 July 2015. <http://eol.org/pages/601031/overview>.
“Introduction to the Bryozoa.” Ucmp.berkeley.edu. The University of California Berkeley, Museum of Paleontology, n.d. Web. 11 Aug. 2015. <http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/bryozoa/bryozoa.html>.
Wood, Timothy S. “Freshwater Bryozoans.” Freshwater Bryozoans. Department of Biological Sciences Wright State University, n.d. Web. 22 July 2015. <http://www.wright.edu/~tim.wood/bryozoans.html>.
PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.
EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.
COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.
CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.
RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.
INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.
Rob Williams
PRISM Coordinator
Megan Pistolese
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith
Terrestrial Invasive Species