South Carolina. - A new invasive species have recently been found along the South Carolina coast — the Asian green mussels, which reproduces quickly and can pose a threat to floating docks. The new creature is among the latest invasive species found in the state. The invaders can be brought from other parts of the world in the ballast of steamships or can drift in on plumes of warm water. Scientists have identified nearly 40 invasive coastal aquatic invertebrate species in the state. While the state appears to be at the northern end of the range for many tropical marine species, rising water and air temperatures could extend that range farther north. There may be no stopping invasive species, but that slowing the spread is critical to preserving the state’s coastal environment.