Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Golden Mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.

Limnoperna fortunei, the golden mussel, is a mussel native to China and Southeast Asia. L. fortunei is a unionid mussel that has a broad tolerance of water conditions and can become
very dense in some areas. It has been introduced to other countries in Southeast Asia as well as South America where it has become established. Negative impacts, such as macrofouling, water clarity alteration, displacement and diet alteration of other species have been reported from these areas. Within the United States, L. fortunei has been found in California. Regulations for this species exist in Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. The history of invasiveness for L. fortunei is classified as High due to the records of established nonnative populations and documented negative impacts. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. The highest matches were recorded in the southeast up to the Mid-Atlantic region as well as the north central Midwest region. West of the Rocky Mountains and the northeast recorded the lowest matches. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High due to the quality of information available. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for Limnoperna fortunei in the contiguous United States is High.