Magellan mussel - Aulacomya ater
Date of introduction and origin
Aulacomya ater was first found in 1994 in the Moray Firth,
north-east Scotland, where it was introduced from South America
(Anon 1994). This species originates on the coasts of Peru, Chile
and the Falkland Islands and Argentina.
Method of introduction
It is most likely to have been introduced on ship or barge
hulls as a fouling organism.
Reasons for success
Unknown.
Rate of spread and methods involved
Unknown.
Distribution
It has only been found in the Moray Firth in Scotland in 1994
and again in 1997; no other European populations are known.
Factors likely to influence spread and distribution
Unknown.
Effects on the environment
None known.
Effects on commercial interests
It is a fouling organism but probably not of serious
concern.
Control methods used and effectiveness
None used.
Beneficial effects
Commercially important in the south-east Pacific where it is
fished.
Lessons to be learnt, Comments
None
References
Anon, 1994. Southern hemisphere visitors to the Moray Firth.
Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Marine
Laboratory, Aberdeen (unpublished report).
McKay, D.W. 1994. Aulacomya ater (Molina, 1782) [Mollusca:
Pelecypoda] collected from the Moray Firth. Porcupine Newsletter,
5: 23.
Acknowledgements (Contibutors)
Dr J.M. Baxter, Scottish Natural Heritage.
Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Monkstone House, City Road,
Peterborough, PE1 1JY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1733-562626 Fax: +44 (0)1733-555948 © Copyright JNCC
1998
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