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Green mussel, an exotic species from the Indo-Pacific, is found in several sensitive areas of the Brazilian coast and worries experts
The presence of an exotic species in Brazil is raising alarm among researchers. The green mussel (Perna viridis), native to Indo-Pacific, was found at various points along the Brazilian coast, raising environmental, economic and health concerns.
A recent study identified 41 records of the species in Brazilian waters. Twelve of them occurred in conservation units, ecologically sensitive and vulnerable areas. The survey was published by Jornal da USP, with data provided by Brazilian researchers.
The arrival of the green mussel in the country may be linked to the ballast water of ships, or even to its attachment to oil platforms and vessels. Pollution may also have contributed to the process. Many specimens have been found on nylon ropes and plastic waste discarded at sea.
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Experts stress the urgent need for action to control the proliferation. Effective management strategies and conservation policies must be adopted quickly to preserve estuarine and coastal ecosystems.
The presence of the green mussel represents a real threat to local biodiversity, as native species have no defenses against invaders, which can still transmit diseases and compete for essential resources.
According to Edison Barbieri, an oceanographer and researcher at the Fisheries Institute, and author of the study, the rapid expansion of these species could have serious impacts. Competition for space and food compromises the natural balance of marine environments.
The spread of the green mussel is already visible in several regions. The largest colonies were located in the Cananeia-Iguape estuary and on Aparecida Beach, in Santos. There are also records on the northern coast of São Paulo, in cities such as Caraguatatuba, São Sebastião, Ilhabela and Ubatuba.
In Rio de Janeiro, the species was found in Guanabara Bay and other coastal areas. In Santa Catarina, records from Bombinhas indicate that the green mussel may be spreading further and further south in the country.
The full study was published in the journal Marine Biology and reinforces the call for attention from environmental authorities.
With information from Olhar Digital.
