Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - State of Queensland

09/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/13/2024 19:07

Suspected Asian Green Mussel detected in Far North Queensland

News release | 13-Sep-2024

  • A suspected detection of Asian green mussel has been reported on a vessel from Weipa at the Cairns Port.
  • Biosecurity Queensland is working with partners to investigate further and monitor the area.
  • Asian green mussel is a prohibited marine pest under the Biosecurity Act 2014.

A suspected detection of the invasive Asian green mussel (Perna viridis) has been reported on a vessel from Weipa at the Cairns Port.

The discovery was made by a Rio Tinto marine biologist and promptly reported to Biosecurity Queensland.

The three mussels found were small and immature, suggesting a lower risk of establishment in the Cairns Port area, however Biosecurity Queensland is taking precautionary measures and collaborating with port partners and stakeholders to conduct surveillance in Weipa where the vessel had been operating.

Asian green mussels are a prohibited marine pest under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and have been detected in Queensland multiple times in recent years, including near Weipa, Mornington Island, Eastern Cape York Peninsula (Escape River) and Trinity Inlet, Cairns.

Currently, there are no known populations of the mussel in the environment, and it remains classified as an exotic species in Australia.

Biosecurity Queensland urges everyone out in the marine environment to keep their eyes open for Asian green mussel on infrastructure such as pylons, mooring buoys and boats and for vessel owners to regularly check and clean boat hulls and niche areas to prevent potential spread.

If you see something you think might be Asian green mussel, report it immediately to Biosecurity Queensland at 13 25 23 or via the online reporting portal.

Quotes to be attributed to Rachel Chay, Deputy Director General & Chief Biosecurity Officer Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland:

"This is an important reminder of the biosecurity risks we face.

"While the specimens found appear to be immature and don't pose a significant risk of establishment in Cairns based on our current knowledge, our priority is to work with our partners to assess the situation and prevent the establishment and spread of this invasive species in the Weipa area.

"The Asian green mussel is a prohibited marine pest under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and has the potential to cause significant environmental and economic damage.

"We are already planning further surveillance in Weipa and Cairns to better understand the extent of this suspected detection and to ensure we maintain Queensland's strong biosecurity protections.

"Early detection and swift reporting are critical to minimising the risk of invasive species establishing in our waters."

Media contact: DAF Media, [email protected]