Scientists believe the mussels were transported on ships travelling through the Panama Canal. The economic cost of infestation can be staggering. The cost to the ecosystem and the extinction events cannot be measured. The Cullens Bay Marina has been treated with chlorine and quarantined. The black-striped mussel has the capacity to colonize tropical and subtropical areas in northern Australia from Freemantle to Sydney as well as the warmer parts of the South Australian gulfs, if transported there, according to marine experts.
Ecological impacts are more difficult to forecast, but are likely to be substantial.
To combat the infestation, a national task force has been established and Cullen bay marina was treated immediately with chlorine. Scientists are working to develop other treatment methods as the problem unfolds, and efforts are being made to track vessels that have visited the three infected areas and to treat any found to be infected with the mussel. The Australian government is also providing funding for the development of a national policy for dealing with marine incursions.