Although no definitive proof exists, it appears 
     
     likely that it came to P.E.I. on oysters, attached as an 
     
     epiphytic plant to the outside of the shell and placed in 
     
     P.E.I. waters. The oysters have been checked for 
     
     diseases and parasites through the Introductions and 
     
     Transfers Committee of Fisheries and Oceans; but, as the 
     
     plant was not known to exist there, it was not found. 
     
    

    
     The life cycle begins as a single cell called a 
     
     'swarmer.' It has two whip-like appendages which propel 
     
     the organism. It attaches to a hard surface; and, when 
     
     settled down, sends out filaments that make a fuzzy, 
     
     cushion-like mass. It then forms a cylindrical thallus 
     
     which branches and forms the adult plant. It grows very 
     
     rapidly, from single cell to adult size, in a month to 
     
     six weeks. 
     
    

    
     Fisheries and Oceans scientists are interested in conducting studies on this 
     
     seaweed to determine its effects on the plant and animal life around P.E.I. We know 
     
     in other areas the effects that Codium has had; and, these include attaching to an 
     
     oyster, for example, and growing to a large size. The plant grows rapidly and 
     
     accumulates oxygen inside in the form of small bubbles. This has the effect of 
     
     increasing the buoyancy of the plant and oyster, resulting in both of them floating 
     
     away. The fishermen nicknamed the plant “the oyster thief.’ In another case, Codium 
     
     attached to scallops and was found to hamper the propulsion of the scallop, making it 
     
     more vulnerable to predation. 
     
    

    
     Another problem has been the rapid growth of the plant, resulting in crowding 
     
     out other plant and animal communities. We do not know, at this time, if this will 
     
     occur on P.E.I.; but, people are concerned. 
     
    

    
     To date, the plant has been found on P.E.I. in the Lennox Island Channel, the 
     
     lower part of Malpeque Bay, and Percival Bay. Fisheries and Oceans is asking anyone 
     
     to report the sighting of this seaweed in other areas in order to map out the extent 
     
     of its introduction and spread in Island waters. 
     
    
   
   
    
       
     
    
   
   
    
     PUBLICATIONS FUND DONAIION: 
     
    
   
   
    
     During many of her years with the Natural History Society, Margaret Mallett 
     
     served as our Treasurer and Secretary. She was both a founding member and the 
     
     principal author of the Society's 20 year history. A talented photographer, her work 
     
     won a number of the Society's slide shows, graced the Island Nature Trust and P.E.I. 
     
     Museum and Heritage Foundation's Wild side of the Isle Photographic Exhibition at 
     
     Eptek, and was featured in Katherine Clough’s Wildflowers of Prince Edward Island. 
     
    

    
     The work of Margaret Mallett will continue into the future thanks to a 
     
     significant donation received in her memory from family members. A special thanks 
     
     goes out to Mrs. Reg Parkman (Margaret's sister Evelyn). 
     
    
   
   
    
     NEWS FROM ABOUT compiled by J. Dan McAskill 
     
    
   
   
    
     Jim Jenkins has explored the waters around the Island for many years. At the 
     
     January meeting of the Society, he reported that blades of eel grass at Lennox Island 
     
     channel grew up to 2.4 m (8 feet) long. Most of us are more familiar with eel grass 
     
     that is only 0.4 to 0.8 m (1.3 to 2.6 feet) in length. 
     
    

    
     The Long Point Bird Observatory announced its Doug Tarry Bird study Awards for 
     
     Young Ornithologists for 1997. These awards support a week long workshop/natural 
     
     history camp at LPBO on Lake Erie, Ontario. Space is limited to six participants 
     
     aged 13 to 18 years of age and the award covers there direct costs exclusive of 
     
     travel to the site. For applications, contact Rosie Kirton, LPBO, Box 160 Port 
     
     Rowan, ON NOE 1M0 (Fax 519-586-3532) (adapted from LPBO release) 
     
    

    
     Congratulations to The Island Magazine as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. 
     
     To celebrate this event, a 20th Anniversary Party was held at Beaconsfield on Feb. 
     
     20th at 7:30 pm. The new book, The Island: A Twentieth Anniversary Anthology from 
     
     the Island Magazine was launched. Copies may be obtained from the Beaconsfield book 
     
    
   
   
    
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