The hazardous invasion of the golden mussel and other pests - health risks for the population and the economy of Brazil The spread of exotic species is historical and it has been growing, because the oceans and the seas are the main routes for global trade and transportation. The invasion of exotic species is considered the second worst cause of ecosystem destruction. Therefore, it affects the number and quality of jobs, the production and the cost of energy, food production and the volume and quality of water – all of which have consequences which warn us of the risk of environmental disasters and, consequently, social and economic collapse. 'This issue can only be disregarded by those who don't know about it', said the awarded journalist and environmentalist Dorinha Aguiar. According to her, Governments and populations need to be sensitized on the importance of preventing the dissemination of exotic species, including those coming from the ocean. The golden mussel is just one example of destruction by the invasion of exotic species and can become a driver for the development of international guidelines for the biodiversity protection.'