First Record of the Invasive Mussel Mytella strigata (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Mytilidae) in Panguil Bay, Southern Philippines

Abstract

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.