ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥â€™s Professor Robert Britton shared insights from his work and research into invasive species and fish ecology during his inaugural lecture.
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The lecture – Aquatic invaders: the truth is out there - took place on Brownsea Island, an appropriate setting as the last refuge in the UKÌý for native red squirrels, who are severely affected by a virus carried by North American grey squirrels.
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Professor Britton talked about his research into invasive species, which has taken him around the world looking at the effects of non-native species in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia.Ìý
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He also dispelled some common myths around the introduction and management of non-native species, and explored what – if anything - can be done to minimise their impact after being introduced to native ecosystems.
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Professor Britton said: “What we do tend to find is if we introduce 100 species, it may be only 1 per cent or even less of those that actually cause the major damage, so we can be very prioritised within our management.
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“We may have very damaging species – such as the grey squirrel, which are all over the UK already, and so there is arguably not a great deal we can do.
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“Whereas with a new invader that has been very recently introduced, if we can catch it early enough, we have a real chance to manage and potentially even stop the invasion.â€
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The lecture was followed by a question and answer session and networking opportunities.
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The event was part of the Fusion Inaugural Lecture series, which gives newly-appointed professors the opportunity to share their work and research with staff, students and members of the public.
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The next inaugural lecture takes place on Wednesday 18th October at Barclay’s House in Poole. During his lecture The effects ofÌý Brexit on the EU, the UK, and Dorset: a migrant’s account, Professor Jens Holscher will discuss the potential economic impact of leaving the European Union. ÌýÌý