Environment & Energy
Related: About this forumWarmer seas fuel Maine crab invasion, clammers say
Warmer seas fuel Maine crab invasion, clammers say
Source: Reuters - Thu, 30 May 2013 07:50 PM
Author: Reuters
By Dave Sherwood
FREEPORT, Maine, May 30 (Reuters) - An invasion of European green crabs, encouraged by rising ocean temperatures, is eating its way north through Maine's clam flats, threatening the state's third-largest fishery and an iconic summer treat for tourists.
"If something isn't done soon, it will mean the death of the clam fishery," said Chad Coffin, president of the Maine Clammers Association. "I don't think people understand just how big a problem this is."
The invasive crabs likely reached U.S. shores in the early 1800s after hitching a ride across the Atlantic on ships, according to scientists. Once here, the crustaceans gradually worked their way to Maine, where they have been present for at least a century.
What has changed the picture, according to clammers, is that warmer water temperatures have created a crab boom, and those crabs are now consuming clam beds like never before.
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aristocles
(594 posts)[link:|
Warpy
(110,898 posts)and the same goes for lobster and deep fried fish. I never got sick of scallops, bought unshucked by the bushel, right off the boat so I knew I was getting the real thing.
Wait until they find out how tasty crab meat is. They'll be wondering why they ever ate a clam.
wandy
(3,539 posts)Soft-Shells should be served with French bread. Garnish the crab with lemon slices, parsley, and watercress.
http://eattheinvaders.org/green-crab/
You see they do have a natural preditor.
Us!