Economic impact of invasive species: Production costs
Black-Striped mussel (Mytilopsis sp.)
An
infestation of the exotic black-striped mussel Mytilopsis sp
(aka Congeria sallei) was discovered in Darwin marinas in late
March 1999.
Recognising the potential adverse impact on the Australian economy and biodiversity if the bivalve was to become established in Australian waters, the Northern Territory Government implemented an immediate containment and eradication program that resulted in the world's first eradication of an established marine pest population.
The eradication program cost the Northern Territory Government in excess of $2.2 million.
The black-striped mussel is closely related, and ecologically similar to the zebra mussel. The zebra mussel, which is a freshwater species, was introduced into the North American Great Lakes system, and has had massive economic and ecological impacts.
The economic impacts alone (remedial engineering, cleaning pipes and water systems heavily encrusted with the mussel) are estimated to be around US$600 million a year.
