The River Plata mussel (Limnoperna fortunei), also known as the golden mussel, is a freshwater bivalve native to Southeast Asia but has become an invasive species in South America, particularly in the Río de la Plata basin. This species is not traditionally targeted for large-scale commercial fishing due to its small size and invasive nature; instead, it is often the focus of control and mitigation efforts. However, countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay are most affected by the proliferation of the River Plata mussel in their river systems. In these countries, the fishing industry is more concerned with managing the ecological and economic impacts of this mussel, which can clog water intake pipes, damage infrastructure, and outcompete native species, rather than harvesting it as a resource. While some local uses exist, such as bait or potential animal feed, the primary industry response is focused on control rather than exploitation.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uruguay | 198 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.