Aliens have been spotted along the Cornish coastline and Fowey Harbour will be working to track the spread of the non-native species.
But before everyone runs for the hills or the safety of the duvet cover (always a safe bet in an emergency) rest assured that the these aliens are most definitely of this earth.
The Investigate Invasives campaign aims to identify and track the spread of Marine Aliens around the Cornish coastline. Working closely with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Fowey Harbour, will be placing settlement panels in the waters of the harbour to act as a surface on which marine life can attach and grow.
After a specified period the panels will be retrieved and records will be taken as to which species become established. The sorts of organisms expected include, sea squirts, sponges, anemones, hydroids, and bryozoans, most of which will likely be native to these shores.
But the panels do also act as an early warning system for the arrival of non-native species that may pose a threat to native marine life.
A spokesperson for Fowey Harbour said: "Once here, non-native species compete for resources such as space, light and food.
"In some cases native wildlife can be prey for the new arrivals. Lacking their own natural predators to keep them in check, the introduced species can become invasive and often displace native flora and fauna.
This can have an economic impact for industry and conservation, for example in the aquaculture industry, these species can use up the settling space of target species such as mussels making a smaller harvest."
Members of the public can help stop the threat of invasive species by adopting what is known as the, Check, Clean, Dry, principle.
This involves three simple steps; checking equipment and clothing for live organisms, particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect, clean and wash all equipment, clothing and footwear, and finally, dry all equipment and clothing as some species can live in moist conditions for days.
For further information contact Cornwall Wildlife Trust 01872 240777or visit their website at - www.erccis.org.uk/invasivespecies/Investigate_Invasives_Marine.
