Invasion
Invasion Description
1st Record: Ocean County/NJ/Barnegat Bay(1921, Nelson 1922; Richards et al. 1984). Heavy infestations in 1921 were associated with dry weather and high salinity ((Nelson 1922). Beginning in 1969, heated effluents from the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant raised water temperatures, in portions of the Bay, promoting heavy infestations of Teredo navalis, T. bartschi, and Bankia gouldi (Turner 1973; Hoagland and Turner 1980); Richards 1984).
Geographic Extent
Ocean County/NJ/Barnegat Bay (Nelson 1922; Wallour 1960; Richards et al. 1984)
Vectors
| Level | Vector |
|---|---|
| Probable | Hull Fouling |
Regional Impacts
| Economic Impact | Shipping/Boating | |
| Railroad bridges across the Bay, built in 1886, were severely damaged by shipworms, and were rebuilt in 1889, with creosote-treated wood (Richards et al. 1984). Extensive settlement and damage to pilings and test blocks were observed in 1921-22 (Nelson 1922). Beginning in 1969, heated effluents from the Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant raised water temperatures in portions of the Bay, promoting heavy infestations of Teredo navalis, T. bartschi, and Bankia gouldi. Extensive damage to pilings and other marina structures occurred, requiring rebuilding (Turner 1973; Richards 1984). | ||
| Economic Impact | Fisheries | |
| In 1921, platforms used for oyster culture were destroyed by an infestation of T. mavalis (Nelson 1922). | ||