Fouling of intensively farmed aquaculture ponds by invasive mussels such as Mytilopsis and Perna affects shrimp feeding, reduces shrimp pigmentation (and hence lower market value) and causes raised mortality (e.g. through failure of paddle wheels and increased bird predation). It is estimated that this drives a 5-15% revenue loss.
Irrigation systems can be very vulnerable to mussel fouling. Channels, filters and spray heads can become blocked by live animals and shell material. The narrow size of many pipe sections makes irrigation systems especially vulnerable to complete blockage.
With increasing global population, demand for seafood from aquaculture will be an increasingly important element of food security.