SAMS news room

Marine aliens - how safe are our seas?

Just when you thought it was safe, marine aliens are in our waters. It’s true. There are photographs, witnesses and now even scientists to testify to the invasive species surrounding our shores.

To allay your fears or perhaps reinforce them, Dr Liz Cook from the ecology department at the Scottish Marine Institute, the home of SAMS, is giving a talk about marine invasive species at “Café Sci” in Tyndrum Village Hall on Wednesday February 22nd at 7pm for 7.30pm.

Dr Cook’s presentation on “Marine aliens – how safe are our oceans?” will look at how the arrival of non-native species in our waters is affecting native fauna, and will explain how, when and from where did marine species like the Japanese skeleton shrimp, the Chinese mitten crab and the leathery sea squirt reach the UK.

Dr Cook has been investigating the extent of the distribution of these alien species in our territory and whether they are putting the survival of other organisms at risk. During her talk she will also raise the debate of how long must an alien species live in a place before being accepted as part of the native fauna. Perhaps consider and compare the European beech (Fagus sylvatica) – a “late” arrival to Britain after the last glaciation and now recognised as native in southern England and southeast Wales, but non-native elsewhere in UK.

Café Scientifique is an informal forum open to everyone where current and interesting scientific issues are presented for discussion. For the price of a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a pint, anyone can come and explore the latest ideas in science and technology outside of a traditional academic context.

For more information visit http://www.cafescientifique.org/index.php/how-it-works

Or contact Tyndrum Village Hall, Tyndrum FK20 8SA, tel. 01838 400 545