BOUDREAUX, M.L*; WALTERS, L.J.; University of Central Florida: Mytella charruana along the Atlantic Coast of Florida: A Successful Invasion?

Biological invasions are now recognized as one of the most serious problems confronting the integrity of native species and ecosystems around the world. Unfortunately, invaders often go unnoticed until they have spread extensively, making eradication difficult and very costly. Early detection and rapid response to such invasions are vital to prevent potential evolutionary and ecological changes that could damage both our ecosystems and our economy. Mytella charruana, a tropical mussel native to Mexico and South America, first appeared in large numbers in the seawater intake pipes of a Jacksonville, Florida power plant in 1986. Fortunately, they never became established as the founder population was extirpated the winter of 1987, presumably due to cold temperatures. No new sightings of this species were recorded until 2004. Then, a population of M. charruana was discovered in Mosquito Lagoon, Florida (170 km south of Jacksonville) in August 2004. Since then the area has been surveyed monthly for mussel occurrences. Specimens were found August 2004 – February 2005 on manmade debris, driftwood and living oysters. No individuals were found again until August 2005. Environmental parameters (salinity, water depth, water and air temperature) were recorded during surveys. If ecological conditions are optimal for continued survival and establishment of M. charruana, this species has the potential to reproduce and out-compete native mussels and declining oyster populations of the area. Our goal is to better understand this invasive species before this happens. Rapid actions are needed to prevent M. charruana from having the economic and ecological impacts of the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and green mussel Perna viridis.