MUSSELS

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Context: Fishermen of Pulicat and Ennore are worried over the spread of an invasive species of mussel that is a threat to the prawns of both waterbodies.

Details:

• Known as kakka aazhi among the fishermen, they say it is a South American mussel species that is spreading due to the discharge of ballast waters from ships visiting the ports of Kattupalli
• The problem mussel is Mytella strigata or Charru mussels.
• Native to South America, these mussels have invaded tidal wetlands in several parts of the world, including Vembanad in Kerala, by travelling across continents in the ballast waters of ships.
• This is the first time this invasive species has been found in the Eastern coast.
• The mussels were first spotted some two decades ago in the Ennore wetlands by local fishers. Human interference in the wetlands, pollution and nature’s actions have turned this insignificant incidence into a full-fledged infestation.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/fishermen-raise-concern-over-invasive-species-of-mussel-in-ennore-and-pulicat/article66311515.ece