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Invasive black mussel threatens Lanka’s fragile wetlands

Published

8 months ago

2025/08/19

A map showing the distribution of black mussel across the globe. Image by Mongabay courtesy of Jayachandran et al. (2019).

The discovery of the invasive black mussel (Mytella strigata) in shrimp farms along Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast has alarmed scientists, who warn that the species could spread rapidly and disrupt the country’s aquatic ecosystems, said a report published yesterday by the Mongabay.

Clusters of the mussel were first detected in September 2023 during surveys for a mangrove restoration project near the Anawilundawa Sanctuary, a Ramsar-listed wetland. Researcher Thilina Kumarasiri initially found empty shells in supply canals, which were later confirmed by conservationist Malik Fernando of the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society as belonging to M. strigata.

Originally from the Americas, the species has become a notorious invader in Asia, including India’s Kerala backwaters, and is known to foul aquaculture systems, clog fishing nets and reduce oyster settlement. Its rapid growth was evident in Anawilundawa, where drained ponds revealed thick mats of mussels attached to pond bottoms and hard surfaces within months.

“The speed at which this species spread in the pond was alarming,” Fernando said. “It suggests the mussel could establish itself quickly in similar habitats.”

According to Wayamba University’s aquaculture expert Prof. Sevvandi Jayakody, the mussel’s resilience lies in its biology: early maturity, long spawning seasons and tolerance to wide salinity and temperature ranges. She warned that its spread through Anawilundawa’s waterways could threaten sensitive wetland ecosystems if unchecked.

Scientists suspect the mussel may have arrived via contaminated live shrimp feed, ballast water from ships or biofouling on hulls. Sri Lanka, though part of the IMO’s biofouling management initiative, has yet to ratify the Ballast Water Management Convention.

Experts are calling for urgent monitoring, containment and stronger invasive species laws. “Rapid eradication is essential,” Jayakody said. “Without swift action and public awareness, this invader could become another costly ecological burden.”

Samantha Gunasekara, Chairperson of the Marine Environment Protection Authority in Sri Lanka, explained that ballast water — seawater taken on by ships for stability — is often loaded in one port and discharged in another, unintentionally transporting marine life across oceans.

Biofouling, the buildup of organisms such as barnacles, mussels and algae on submerged surfaces like hulls and propellers, is another vector. “Unlike ballast water, which can be treated, biofouling organisms can be physically stubborn and harder to remove,” Gunasekara noted.

Sri Lanka is one of 12 countries in the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)-led GloFouling Partnerships project, which promotes good biofouling management practices. “Even though the project ended in May 2025, we continue to support partner countries with pilot projects and sustainable technologies,” IMO technical analyst Will Griffiths said.

Many biofouling species can survive extended journeys, even across different water temperatures and salinities, so the project spurred the development of good practices and standards for improved biofouling management, Griffiths said.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

Published

34 mins ago

2026/04/26

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 25 April 2026, valid for 26 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on the human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-744649

News

Sagarika derailment disrupts coastal rail line; services to resume in two days

Published

1 hour ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Railway General Manager Ravindra Pathmapriya said on Friday that re-railing operations of the derailed ‘Sagarika’ train have already commenced and that services on the Coastal Line are expected to be restored within two days.

Addressing the media, he said the Minister had instructed officials to take all necessary measures to minimise inconvenience to passengers.

Commenting on the incident, he said: “The damaged train is a significant loss for us, especially as our fleet is already limited. We have incurred this loss and hope to rectify the situation promptly. However, we will need to deploy an alternative train in its place, and discussions are currently underway.”

The ‘Sagarika’ train, operating from Beliatta to Maradana, derailed near the Wadduwa Railway Station on Friday morning (24), causing severe damage to one track of the dual-line section.

The Railway Department has since restricted services on the affected Coastal Line up to Panadura Railway Station.

Arrangements have been made to transport passengers from Panadura to South Kalutara by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses, from where train services will resume towards Matara and Beliatta.

Meanwhile, the Department said efforts are underway to clear the obstruction and restore at least one track by the end of the day.

News

PHIs launch Vesak ‘Dansal’ safety registration drive

Published

1 hour ago

2026/04/26

Thilina Walpola

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have announced that registration of ‘Dansal’ organised islandwide in view of the upcoming Vesak Poya has already commenced.

President of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Union (PHIU), K.P. Boralessa, said that organisers intending to conduct ‘Dansal’ are required to inform and register with the PHI attached to the relevant area.

He said organisers must also provide details of the location and the type of ‘Dansal’ being conducted.

Following registration, PHIs will conduct awareness programmes for organisers on maintaining required health and safety standards during the conduct of such events, he added.

Boralessa warned that legal action would be taken against those who organise ‘Dansal’ without proper registration or in an unsafe manner.

He further said PHIs will inspect venues on the eve of each ‘Dansala’ to assess suitability, including waste disposal arrangements, availability of drinking water, quality of water used for cooking, and condition of equipment at the site.

In addition, those involved in food preparation and serving will also be inspected to ensure hygiene standards are maintained, he said.

“These measures are taken to ensure that food provided at ‘Dansal’ is safe and hygienic for the public. Special attention must be paid to the ingredients used, and only healthy ingredients should be utilised,” Boralessa added.