Beal discusses sea squirts with BDN
The BDN interviewed Brian Beal, a marine scientist with the University of Maine at Machias and director of the Downeast Institute, about his concerns on the rising populations of invasive tunicates, also known as sea squirts, that are negatively impacting the local fishing industry. These creatures attach to lobster traps and aquaculture equipment, causing a plethora of challenges for fishermen. Beal said that as long as ocean temperatures in the Gulf of Maine continue to rise, or even stay at their current levels, managing sea squirts will be a challenge.