An invasive gastropod, the veined whelk Rapana venosa, was first recorded in July 2005 in the Dutch part of the North Sea, and in September 2005 in the central southern North Sea (the wider Thames estuary). Both shipping activities and natural dispersion from the nearest population in France (Quiberon, Brittany) are possible modes of introduction of R. venosa to these sites. The possible effects of R. venosa in the North Sea remain uncertain, but if established, this invasive species could become a severe competitor for the native whelk Buccinum undatum. As R. venosa is known as predator on bivalves, an impact on local aquaculture activities (on e.g. blue mussels and oysters) is also possible.
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