Asian Green Mussels in Florida: Invasive Species Impact

Asian green mussels are an invasive species originally from parts of Asia including Indonesia, Thailand, and Java Island. Scientists believe they arrived in Florida by attaching to cargo ships or through ballast water, with the first known population discovered in Tampa Bay in 1999.

Today, many people still don’t realize these invasive mussels are spreading through Florida’s waterways. They reproduce quickly and attach to docks, seawalls, rocks, pipes, and other marine structures, where they can overcrowd native species and create costly damage.

My growing awareness of invasive species and their impact on Florida’s ecosystems inspired Reefcaya. Under a recreational saltwater license and in compliance with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission guidelines, I remove invasive Asian green mussels from Florida waters and repurpose their shells into jewelry to help spread awareness through conversation and storytelling.

What started as jewelry became something much deeper for me — a way to connect creativity, conservation, and purpose while helping people learn more about the importance of protecting our ecosystems.