Invasion
Invasion Description
1st Record: Tampa Electric Company Gannon Station Power Plant, Tampa/FL/Tampa Bay (7/1999, Ingaro et al. 2001; Baker et al. 2007) Sharp declines in the abundance of P. viridis occurred in the Tampa Bay area after severe winters in 2010 and 2011 (Joao Canning-Clode, personal communication).
Geographic Extent
Safety Harbor/FL/Old Tampa Bay (12/2001, Benson et al. 2001; Baker et al. 2007, 28 00 N, 82 40 W, abundant); Gandy Bridge, Tampa/FL/Old Tampa Bay (11/1999, Benson et al. 2001; Baker et al. 2007, 27 53 N, 82 33 W, abundant); Tampa Electric Company Gannon Station Power Plant, Tampa/FL/Tampa Bay (7/1999, Ingaro et al. 2001; Baker et al. 2007, causing fouling in power plant, 27 54 25 N, 81 25 35); Skyway Bridge/Tampa/Tampa Bay (11/1999, Baker et al. 2007, 27 36 N, 82 38 W, common-abundant); Fort De Soto/FL/Tampa Bay (11/1999, Baker et al. 2007, 27 31 N, 82 38 W, common)
Vectors
| Level | Vector |
|---|---|
| Alternate | Hull Fouling |
| Alternate | Ballast Water |
Regional Impacts
| Economic Impact | Industry | |
| Perna viridis was discovered when it was found to be fouling Tampa Electric Company Gannon Station Power Plant, and several other power plants in Tampa Bay. This mussel increases the cost of fouling control (Baker et al. 2007). | ||
| Economic Impact | Fisheries | |
| Perna viridis is 'abundant on oyster reefs in Tampa Bay, and are correlated with high oyster mortalities' (Baker et al. 2004). | ||
| Economic Impact | Shipping/Boating | |
| Perna viridis fouls US coast Guard buoys, threatening to sink them, and requiring increased cleaning efforts (Baker et al. 2004). | ||
| Ecological Impact | Competition | |
| 'Green mussels are abundant on oyster reefs in Tampa Bay, and are correlated with high oyster mortalities. On pilings, green mussels displace oysters to a narrow band in the upper intertidal' (Baker et al. 2004). Barber et al. (2005) suggest that P. viridis might be able to out-compete the native Brachidontes exustus (Scorched Mussel) because of the former's faster growth, large size, and greater reproductive output. | ||