Range expansion of the Asian green mussel Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) to São Paulo, Brazil

Invasion of new environments by fouling organisms is facilitated via artificial substrates.In this communication, we report the occurrence of the Asian green mussel Perna viridis on nautical mooring ropes discarded at a voluntary drop off point for end-of-life fishing and nautical gear (EOLFG) in a port area in Ubatuba, northern So Paulo, Southeast Brazil.Individuals were classified as P. viridis based on morphological characteristics and were estimated to be less than six months old.We have been performing the characterization of EOLFG (i.e.size, composition, presence of associated fouling organisms) in this location for over 13 months, with this record representing the first documented instance of the green mussel in the state of So Paulo.Given the possibility of competition with the brown mussel Perna perna, the only farmed mussel in So Paulo, and the proximity to marine protected areas, urgent monitoring efforts are needed to determine the extent of P. viridis settlement in the region, and whether this species is capable of colonizing natural substrates along the Brazilian coastline.