Zebra mussel found on coast of Croatia for first time 

(Photo credit: Bariša Ilić)

The ornithological association “Brkata Sjenica,” has reported that the Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), an invasive species of shell, was found in Croatia’s Neretva River for the first time.

The secretary of this association, Bariša Ilić, provides the following account, here it is in full:

A few days ago on the field, specifically the last day of 2023, I came across a small shell. Since it was my first time seeing it, I picked it up and brought it home. Unfortunately, the news is not the best because it is, in fact, an invasive species. 

Consequently, I am not happy, and regrettably, the list of invasive species in Croatia is getting longer every day.

The shell I found (currently only one specimen, but it spreads quickly with invasive species) is called the Zebra mussel or Dreissena polymorpha, confirmed by a friend. 

The shell is native to the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, feeding through water filtration. It is believed to expand its distribution range through ballast water discharged by ships. The shell was found in the Neretva River, and as far as I know (searching the Internet), only a few empty shells have been found in the Adriatic basin, specifically in Vransko Lake. 

So, this is the first living specimen recorded on the coast of Croatia.

(Photo credit: Bariša Ilić)

I’ve already mentioned that I’m not pleased, but life goes on. We must monitor the situation and take measures if necessary. The finding has been reported to the Natural History Museum in Zagreb, to Petar Crnčan, who will inform Dr. Jasna Lajtner, an expert in invasive species. 

Notification is also being sent to the Botanical Garden at the Faculty of Science in Zagreb. I will donate the shell to the Natural History Museum in the city of Metković, writes Bariša Ilić.