Connecting You to America's Ocean and Great Lakes Treasures

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series

Seaside Chats

Are Damsels Causing Distress?: Identifying Traits that Make Marine Invasive Species Successful 

March 4, 2026

2:30 pm Hawaii | 4:30 pm Pacific | 6:30 pm Central | 7:30 pm Eastern

Across the globe, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are being reshaped by non-native species that can alter food webs, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt ecosystem functions. Despite the accelerating pace of invasive species introductions, we know little about the traits and conditions that allow invaders to succeed in new habitats. Join Dr. John Majoris, Assistant Professor of Biology, Pennsylvania State University as he explores how marine invasive species are introduced, established, and spread, focusing on the Regal Demoiselle fish, which has recently spread to Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. 

Seaside Chats is an annual speaker series about ocean science and conservation topics associated with Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. These presentations take place on Wednesday evenings in February, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Central Time).

The National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series provides formal and informal educators, students, and the interested public with educational and scientific expertise, resources, and training to support ocean literacy in the classroom. You can also visit the archives of the webinar series to catch up on presentations you may have missed here.

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The Webinar ID is 640-999-571.