Invasion

Invasion Description

1st Records: VA/Coan River; VA/Great Wicomico River; Gloucester Point/VA/York River; Woodas Creek (1998, Calvo et al. 1999; Experimental introduction of sterile triploids) Extensive experimental introductions of M. ariakensis were made in Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Bays of Virginia were made from 1998 to 2008, testing this species as a possible disease-resistant supplement or replacement for the native M. ariakensis. After extensive study, the decision was made by the Army Corps of Engineers, and the states of Maryland and Virginia, was to prohibit introduction of diploid M. ariakensis, end cultivation of triploids in open waters, and instead transfer resources to restoration of the native Eastern Oyster (Fahrenthold 2009; Wheeler 2009). We will continue to consider the population status of M. ariakensis in Chesapeake Bay as 'unknown' because illegal introductions are still possible, as reproduction of previously planted 'triploids'.

Geographic Extent

VA/Coan River; VA/Great Wicomico River; Gloucester Point/VA/York River; Woodas Creek (1998, Calvo et al. 1999); MD/Severn River; MD/Choptank River; MD/Patuxent River (2004, Paynter et al. 2008)