An exotic species of mussel has been found in North Florida. County extension agent Bill Mahan told county commissioners this week that a number of green mussels were recently harvested by an oysterman tonging in St. Andrews Bay in Bay County.
Green mussels are an invasive species native to Asia. It’s been in Florida since 1999 but this may be the first time its been seen in North Florida waters.
The concern about this species is that it thrives in brackish water like that in the Apalachicola Bay. Bill Mahan said the species could compete with oysters which would not be a good thing. In Tampa Bay, some native oyster reefs have died off after being smothered by green mussels.
And even though the species is edible it will likely not be useful to seafood workers because its only suitable to eat for a few months out of the year. Green mussels also tend to clog seawater intakes, weigh down navigation buoys and foul the hulls and engines of boats. On the positive side the mussels are tropical and are easily killed by cold weather - Even in Tampa Bay green mussels have experienced cold-related die-offs.
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