First record of <i>Corella japonica</i> in California

Abstract Many ascidian (sea squirt) species are common members of fouling communities, particularly on floating substrates such as docks and pilings and through maritime transport, have been introduced worldwide. For the past 30 years, marinas in Southern California have been regularly monitored for introduced species due to their proximity to the international shipping terminals in Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors. Here, we report on the first record in the eastern Pacific of an ascidian in the family Corellidae (O. Phlebobranchia), Corella japonica , found at the Newmarks Yacht Centre in Los Angeles Harbor. This study further highlights the importance of continuously monitoring harbors and marinas to detect the early arrival of new non-native species.