Invasive mussel Mytella strigata: Impacts on fisheries and farming

An alien species of mussel, the American brackish-water mussel Mytella strigata native to Central and South merica has established recently in backwaters of Kerala, blocking nets in fish or cage farms. This species was recently reported from the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, where its population has expanded exponentially in the last two years. M. strigata, the newly introduced marine invasive species was recorded from various places in Kerala such as Vembanad Lake, Kadinamkulam, Paravur, Edava-Nadayar, Ashtamudi Lake, Kayamkulam, Chettuva and Ponnani.