Invasion
Invasion Description
1st Record: Blanchard/WA/Samish Bay (Blanchard/WA/Samish Bay (2006, Davis 2007; Mach et al. 2012, present for several years before 2006).
Geographic Extent
(Blanchard/WA/Samish Bay (2006, Davis 2007; Mach et al. 2012, present for several years before 2006).
Vectors
| Level | Vector |
|---|---|
| Alternate | Oyster Accidental |
Regional Impacts
| Economic Impact | Fisheries | |
| In Samish Bay, WA high densities of Clymenella torquata have altered the texture of mudflats, releasing fine excreted feces, turning mid-sand tidelands into soft muck. The suspended sediments are detrimental to Pacific Oysters (Crassostrea gigas) being cultivated in the Bay (Davis 2007; Hancock et al. 2008; Mach et al. 2012). Hancock et al. (2008) tested five control methods: adding shells to sediment, rototilling, hydraulic pumping, covering, and compression for reducing worm and tube biomass, and increasing sediment firmness. These treatments did not reduce worm abundance, but some of them did increase sediment firmness (Hancock et al. 2008). | ||
| Ecological Impact | Habitat Change | |
| In Samish Bay, WA high densities of Clymenella torquata have altered the texture of mudflats, creating a spongy texture, due to the tubes, and fine, excreted feces, turning mid-sand tidelands into soft muck. These suspended sediments are detrimental to oysters and to Eelgrass (Zostera marina) (Davis 2007; Hancock et al. 2008; Mach et al. 2012). | ||