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Green Mussel, Exotic Species of the Indo-Pacific, Is Found in Several Sensitive Areas of the Brazilian Coast and Concerns Specialists
The presence of an exotic species in Brazil is raising alarms among researchers. The green mussel (Perna viridis), native to the Indo-Pacific, has been found in various points along the Brazilian coast, bringing environmental, economic, and sanitary 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 the Jornal da USP, with data provided by Brazilian researchers.
The origin of the green mussel’s arrival in the country may be linked to ballast water from ships or even attachment to oil platforms and vessels. Pollution may also have contributed to the process. Many specimens were found on nylon ropes and plastic waste discarded in the sea.
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Experts emphasize the urgent need for actions to control 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 also transmit diseases and compete for essential resources.
According to Edison Barbieri, an oceanographer and researcher at the Fisheries Institute, as well as the author of the study, the rapid spread of these species can have severe impacts. Competition for space and food jeopardizes the natural balance of marine environments.
The advance of the green mussel is already visible in several regions. The largest colonies were located in the Cananeia-Iguape estuary and at Aparecida Beach in Santos. There are also records along the northern coast of São Paulo, in cities like Caraguatatuba, São Sebastião, Ilhabela, and Ubatuba.
In Rio de Janeiro, the species was found in Guanabara Bay and other points along the coast. In Santa Catarina, records in Bombinhas indicate that the green mussel may be spreading further south in the country.
The complete study was published in the journal Marine Biology and reinforces the call for attention from environmental authorities.
With information from Olhar Digital.
