Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) is an invasive species that has caused major environmental and economic impacts in several regions where it has been introduced. In Brazil, since its introduction in 2019, it has been rapidly expanding its distribution. We aimed at describing its geographic distribution expansion on the southeast and southern coast of Brazil based on biodiversity monitoring surveys, underwater observations documented through photography, and using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. The collected individuals were identified through morphological and molecular analyses, confirming the identity of the species. The available evidence suggests it is rapidly expanding its geographic distribution in Brazil. In total, we provide 53 new locality records where the species was found. This mollusk is known for its great invasive potential and can become an important environmental problem, as it can alter the structure of natural habitats and ecosystems, and negatively affect the commercial harvest of economically important native marine organisms.

The green mussel Perna viridis, native to the Indo-Pacific, has demonstrated significant invasive potential in various coastal regions worldwide, posing threats to both aquaculture and native ecosystems. In Brazil, mollusk farming is primarily concentrated in Santa Catarina, with an annual production exceeding 13,000 tons. This study aimed to confirm the occurrence of P. viridis in the region, specifically within the mollusk farming park of Itapocoroy Bay. A total of 210 individuals were collected, and molecular analyses confirmed the species’ presence through COI gene amplification, with sequences showing 99.85% similarity to those from China and India. The phylogenetic analysis supported this identification, placing the sample within a highly supported P. viridis clade. Biometric analysis revealed shell lengths ranging from 5.94 mm to 24.72 mm, with 38% of individuals’ sex indeterminate due to the absence of external sexual dimorphism. This represents an 800 km southward range expansion of P. viridis along the Brazilian coast over a six-year period. In Brazil, Perna viridis is likely introduced via ballast water and hull fouling, with secondary dispersal facilitated by coastal vessel movement. Mariculture systems are especially vulnerable due to abundant substrate and resources. The study underscores the importance of early detection to prevent further spread, given P. viridis’ ability to compete with native or commercial species, such as Perna perna, for space and food resources.

Com a crescente atividade sócio-econômica da mitilicultura na costa do estado de Santa Catarina, problemas relacionados com a identificação de novos sítios de cultivo tornaram-se prioritários. Dentre os mais diferentes métodos utilizados para análise de potenciais regiões produtoras, o estudo das taxas fisiológicas dos mexilhões enquadram-se como uma das mais adequadas, incluindo neste caso, o monitoramento de sítios já estabelecidos e problemas relacionados com a poluição ambiental. Este relatório faz referência a uma preliminar comparação entre duas áreas de cultivo do mexilhão Perna perna no litoral norte do estado (municípios de Penha e Bombinhas). Dados ambientais de temperatura, salinidade, material em suspensão e fisiológicos do mexilhão como crescimento, filtração, respiração e assimilação foram comparados. Os principais resultados deste estudo podem ser resumidos em: relação direta entre a temperatura e a taxa de crescimento e relação entre a salinidade e a taxa de respiração para os dois ambientes. O material em suspensão apresentou uma maior variabilidade ambiental influenciada pelos aportes continentais mas que necessitam de maiores investigações. A importância das taxas de maturação dos folículos embrionários dos mexilhões foi sugerida na relação com as taxas de filtração e assimilação. Em termos de produção, os ambientes mostraram maiores diferenças nos meses frios e similar resultados nos meses quentes. Entretanto, resultados conclusivos estão dependentes de estudos ao longo de um ciclo anual.

Sea cucumbers play fundamental ecological roles in marine ecosystems, but due to their high commercial value, several species have been subject to intense fishing exploitation. The development of technologies for cultivating sea cucumbers emerges as a sustainable alternative, with the induction of spawning being an essential step for larviculture and juvenile production. This study presents the results of spawning inductions for Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea, a species of commercial interest and the target of indiscriminate fishing in Brazil. Between 2021 and 2025, 45 inductions were performed, testing combinations of physical, mechanical, and biological stimuli. In experiments conducted until 2023, the applied methods, which are effective for other species, showed low efficiency for H. grisea. Experiments carried out after 2024, including maintenance in a recirculating system for 5 to 7 weeks, combined with greater temperature variations, resulted in a significant increase in gamete release, enabling fertilization. These results indicate that prolonged laboratory conditioning favors gonadal maturation and increases spawning success. The results, combined with the feasibility of larval culture and the recent production of juveniles, open new perspectives for the cultivation of sea cucumbers in Brazil.