Caribbean False Mussel Threatens Kerala's Coastal Waters

• 07 Sep 2023

Recently, Kerala's coastal waters are facing a significant proliferation of the invasive Caribbean false mussel (Mytilopsis sallei), posing a threat to native clams and oysters vital for the state's fisheries, according to a report from the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

Key Points:

• Caribbean False Mussel: The invasive Caribbean false mussel, originally from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of South and Central America, has spread widely across Kerala's coastal waters.
• IPBES Report: The 'Assessment report on invasive alien species and their control' from IPBES highlights the invasive species and its impact on Kerala's coastal ecosystem.
• Possible Introduction: Ballast waters from ships and smaller fishing vessels may have introduced the invasive species to the Indian coast.
• Cyclone Ockhi Impact: The report suggests that tropical cyclone Ockhi, which struck Kerala's coast in 2017, might have contributed to the spread of the invasive species by carrying it into new waters.
• Local Name: Locally known as 'Varathan Kakka' (alien bivalve mollusc in Malayalam), this species has affected estuaries and mussel aquaculture farms across the state.
• Fast Reproduction: Caribbean false mussels reproduce rapidly, are highly tolerant, and can even survive in freshwater environments.
• Displacement of Native Species: They occupy similar habitats as native mussels and displace them significantly, causing mass displacement of native variants.
• Control Challenges: Controlling the spread of the invasive species is considered nearly impossible at this stage.
• Harvesting Approach: The only feasible approach to mitigate their impact is to harvest as many as possible to facilitate stock replacement of native species.