United Kingdom – Invasive crab could threaten populations of salmon and trout

Populations of Salmon and Trout of North and North East of Scotland could be threatened by the invasion of Shanghai crab (Eriocheir sinensis), which has reached the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland, for the first time.

The Clyde River Foundation discovered a specimen that serves as the first evidence of this invasive species, which has already spread through much of England's waterways-including the Thames and places further north as the river has now Tyne- crossed the northern border, as indicated by scientists at the University of London.

Según el Dr. David Morritt, de la Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas de la Royal Holloway, “the emergence of these Chinese crayfish in a river of Scotland could have a devastating impact on the famous fishing rivers Salmon and Trout if that reach parts of the basins where these fish spawn”.

Alan Wells, Director of Policy and Planning of the Association of Salmon Fishery Councils (ASFB) also warns of the threat.

“Given the propensity of crab from Shanghai to colonize new river systems, even crawling on the ground, this is an additional potential threat to our populations of native freshwater fish to be taken seriously”, dijo Wells a The Press and Journal.

There is concern among researchers from the Natural History Museum, who explained that in addition to displacing other marine species, this invasive crab causes erosion and can damage riverbanks and impact on infrastructure such as dams when they dig them.

As part of the mitigation measures, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has established standards for the control and management of ballast water and sediments from ships, in an effort to control the transport of non-native species to waters.

In addition, Wells believes that, as in the case of other non-native invasive species, anglers and other users of freshwater environment should pay special attention to biosafety standards, such as sanitation of fishing gear and other equipment when moving from a fishing area to another.

The Shanghai crab, also known as crab hairy mitts on mats covering its claws, is native to eastern Asia, but is also found in northeastern Europe and the United States.

Experts believe that it is not clear yet whether the crab was released intentionally or naturally colonized the River Clyde. The foundation asked to report if more specimens of this species are found.

SOURCE: Fis.com