Multiple perspectives on the emergence of the invasive colonial tunicate Didemnum vexillum Kott, 2002 in the western Bay of Fundy, Atlantic Canada

The invasive colonial tunicate, Didemnum vexillum Kott, 2022 was initially observed in Atlantic Canada in Nova Scotia in 2013 and has since been expected to spread to the western side of the Canadian Bay of Fundy due to colonies known to be present in nearby Eastport, Maine. Since 2018, we collected water environmental DNA (eDNA) samples at eight sites in the Quoddy Region in the western side of the Canadian Bay of Fundy. In 2021 and 2022 we used diver-based visual surveys and sample collection, as well as a surface-deployed near-seafloor optical imaging system to document the presence and extent of D. vexillum in the Head Harbour/West Isles/Passages Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA) within the Quoddy Region. Forty-one dive sites were surveyed via SCUBA, and seven near-seafloor camera transects were conducted at depths deeper than dive limits (similar to 30 m), collecting continuous high-definition video and periodic high-resolution still images. Didemnum vexillum was detected at two sites from eDNA metabarcoding and quantitative PCR in 2018, 2020 and 2021, and observed by divers at 11 sites, two of which exhibited extensive tunicate coverage. Of the 1945 m(2) area surveyed by the near-seafloor drift camera system, D. vexillum occurred at depths to 118 m and across a spatial extent of 858 m(2), of which 170 m(2) contained numerous tunicate patches and/or a homogenous mat. Didemnum vexillum was observed extensively overgrowing benthic substrates and fauna, possibly threatening the diversity of natural benthic habitats in the EBSA and adjacent areas supporting numerous commercial fisheries. This study is the first to report D. vexillum presence in the Canadian western Bay of Fundy, and the first to observe colonies at depths exceeding previous records of 81 m. We conclude by providing advice on how to improve coastal invasive species surveys from the combination of biodiversity metrics.