Mass. Scientists on Hunt For Invasive Species

Scientists hunting for invasive species will be inspecting docks and piers along the Massachusetts coast this week.

The surveys are part of a New England-wide project to find out which non-native species have migrated here or are becoming established.

State environmental officials say invasive species, which are often transported on global trade vessels, can clog pipes, damage piers and cause health problems through various pathogens.

They can also affect the seafood business. For instance, the European green crab and Asian shore crab prey on commercially valuable shellfish.

This year's study aims to help establish a baseline inventory of what's out there, and follows a series of four similar surveys taken since 2000. This week, Massachusetts scientists will survey eight sites between Salem and New Bedford over four days.

[Associated Press]