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Mytella Srigata or Charrmussels have spread along the stretch of Kosasthalaiyar backwater, Buckingham Canal, and the Pulicat lake mouth says a status report filed by the WRD.
About Charrmussels:
Charrmussel (Mytella strigata), native to the South and Central American coasts, is spreading quickly in the coastal areas of northern Tamilnadu.
The Kamarajar Port Limited, Ennore, is the main reason for the spread of the charrmussels along the (North) Buckingham Canal, the Kosasthalaiyar backwaters, and the Pazhaverkadmouth due to the lack of a ballast water regulation for ship movement from the south and central coasts of the U.S. to the Indian shores,” the status report filed by the department said.
The proliferation of the invasive species not only possesses a harmful effect on the waterbodies and the marine ecosystem as they threaten the diversity of wetlands, but also takes a toll on the movement of boats.
ØIn India, two species of marine mussels, green mussel (Perna viridis), and the brown mussel, (P. indica) are found in the coastal areas.
oFarming of green mussels is now established as a commercial practice in India.
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