ABSTRACT
Invasive Marine Species (IMS), also known as introduced marine pests, transported via fouling of ship hulls and ballast water exchange pose threats to marine environments the world over. Marine bio-invasion has been considered one of the greatest threats challenging the health of the oceans. Morphological and molecular anaysis suggested that the alien species is Mytella strigata.M. strigata is native to the Caribbean coast of South America. The situation is alarming and, a detailed observation about the origin and distribution of this species in our natural waters is called for. The International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (ICTT), part of the Cochin Port is the largest container trans-shipment facility in India and handled about 32.02 MMT of shipping in 2018-19. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and other laws for preserving endangered marine flora and fauna seldom find application in the control of routine ballast discharges.
