The waters around the Pitcairn Islands support rich marine wildlife and are designated as a Marine Protected Area.

Invasive non-native alien plants and animals can damage this pristine marine environment. They can spread rapidly, killing native plants and animals. Once established, they are very difficult to eradicate. It is therefore critical to take steps to prevent their introduction.

The three priority marine invasive non-native species in the Pitcairn Islands are:

Black Striped Mussel:
Shell color varies from black-brown to light grey/white.
Some show light and dark zig-zag patterns or longitudinal stripes.
Two shells unequal in size; one side slightly overlaps the other.
Grows up to 2.8 cm in length.
Grows on hard surfaces usually in clusters: vessel hulls, pylons, buoys, pontoons; also grows on ropes.

Asian Green Mussel
Juveniles: dark brown-green shells at the front and vibrant blue-green at the wider part of the shell.
Adults: mostly brown with brighter coloration at the edges.
Inside of the shell has a blue-green iridescent hue.
A smooth, elongated shell with a distinctive downward-pointing beak.
Can grow up to 16 cm in length.
Attaches to surfaces including rocks, buoys, fishing equipment, and hulls.

Mediterranean Mussel
Colour varies from brown, blue or purple to black.
Large triangular shaped shell with concentric lines.
Two shell halves are equal in size.
Can grow up to 20 cm in length.
Usually found attached to hard substrates.

If you spot any of the following, please:
Take a photo.
Record the location.
Report it to Michele Christian at the Environmental, Conservation and Natural Resources Division: dmnature@pitcairn.gov.pn

Follow the link to see a PDF with instructions and images to help your reporting.