Invasive black mussel threatens Lanka's fragile wetlands

The discovery of the invasive black mussel (Mytella strigata) in shrimp farms along Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast has alarmed scientists, who warn that the species could spread rapidly and disrupt the country’s aquatic ecosystems, said a report published yesterday by the Mongabay.

- 

Clusters of the mussel were first detected in September 2023 during surveys for a mangrove restoration project near the Anawilundawa Sanctuary, a Ramsar-listed wetland. Researcher Thilina Kumarasiri initially found empty shells in supply canals, which were later confirmed by conservationist Malik Fernando of the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society as belonging to M. strigata.

Originally from the Americas, the species has become a notorious invader in Asia, including India’s Kerala backwaters, and is known to foul aquaculture systems, clog fishing nets and reduce oyster settlement. Its rapid growth was evident in Anawilundawa, where drained ponds revealed thick mats of mussels attached to pond bottoms and hard surfaces within months.