We have been alerted to continuing issues with moss balls imported from Ukraine being infested with zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha). These pose an invasive risk if they migrate to UK waters. OATA is therefore reminding industry to not buy moss balls from Ukraine.
GB Non-Native Species Secretariat estimate around 1,500 to 2,000 consignments of moss balls are imported to the UK annually so it’s very important the industry takes its biosecurity responsibilities seriously, particularly when an issue with a source country has been identified.
If you import or sell moss balls please check with suppliers to ensure they are not coming from Ukraine and that they are free of zebra mussels.
Zebra mussels are small, fingernail-sized molluscs native to the Caspian Sea region of Asia. They have three life stages: larval, juvenile, and adult. In the larval stage, the mussels live freely in the water column, where they can be easily transported. Adult zebra mussels can stay alive for several days outside of water and commonly attach to boats, fishing equipment and aquarium plants such as moss balls.
Despite their small size, zebra mussels can cause a lot of problems, from clogging pipelines used for water filtration, infesting beaches and damaging boats. They also negatively impact aquatic ecosystems by harming native organisms.
Read our guidance document on Marimo (Cladophora) moss balls and Zebra mussels below.
