First National Conference on Marine Bioinvasions
January 24 -27, 1999
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

As recently as twenty years ago, only a handful of experts was discussing marine bioinvasions or expressing concern about the impacts of nonindigenous species on ocean communities and ecosystems. that situation changed around the world with the appearance in the 1980's of the Eurasian zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in the Great Lakes (U.S. and Canada), the American comb jellyfish (Mnemiopsis leidyi) in the black sea and the Japanese dinoflagellates in Southern Australia. The resultant ecological and economic impacts ushered in a new age of awareness. National legislation (the National Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention and Control Act of 1990) was passed and called for action to prevent new invasions. Funding supported new research initiatives and managers explored options for preventing new invasions, especially through ballast water introductions. Scientists, managers and industry representatives began to meet annually to share information, identify new ways to manage and control invasive species, and describe technologies designed to prevent future introductions.

The first National Conference on Marine Bioinvasions was held January 24-27, 1999 ant the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and attracted approximately 250 national and international participants. The purpose was to bring together scientists, students, and managers to examine the patterns of marine bioinvasions, ecological and evolutionary consequences, and ballast water management. The three main focuses of the conference are as follows:

• Patterns of Invasions

• Ecological and Evolutionary Consequences

• Ballast Water Management

The Conference Chair, Judith Pederson, Ph.D., has submitted a Post-Conference Summary.

Proceedings