Open AccessFirst Record of the Invasive Mussel Mytella strigata (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Mytilidae) in Panguil Bay, Southern Philippines
Author(s) -
Marichu Fabiosa,
Clark Adrian Abao,
Noeme Fabiosa,
Kaent Immanuel Uba
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of environment and aquatic resources
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2719-101X
pISSN - 2094-1072
DOI - 10.48031/msunjear.2021.06.03
Subject(s) - mytilidae , bay , mussel , fishery , bivalvia , intertidal zone , mangrove , mollusca , perna viridis , shellfish , biology , ecology , geography , aquatic animal , fish <actinopterygii> , archaeology
Here, we report the first record of the invasive mussel species Mytella strigata Hanley, 1843 in Panguil Bay, southern Philippines confirmed through its conchological features. Mussels appeared in dense mats attached to rocks, wood, and substrate in the intertidal region in the innermost portion of the bay. Locals first noticed the species in late 2018, which, according to them, adversely affected their catches of mangrove crabs Scylla spp. and the Asian hard clam Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus, 1758. There is a need to ascertain the distribution of the species within the bay, investigate socio-ecological and economic impacts, and formulate monitoring, surveillance, and impact mitigation measures.