Invasive Green Crabs Chewing Through Maine's Clam Beds As Northern Ocean Warms

[hatrack]

An invasion of European green crabs, encouraged by rising ocean temperatures, is eating its way north through Maine's clam flats, threatening the US 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. The state's soft-shell clams or "steamers" have long been popular with vacationers looking for a "taste of Maine." The steamers are the state's third-largest fishing industry, behind lobsters and elvers, worth an estimated $US15 million last year.

EDIT

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/warming-seas-stir-crab-invasion-20130531-2nfjp.html

[djean111]

1. I gather that they taste good, but have so little meat that it is not worth marketing

them, plus hard to get what little meat there is out of the shell.
Global warming, and the effects thereof, just keeps rolling along.

[DCKit]

2. Animal feed? nt

[bahrbearian]

3. Monsanto will save us. give them a No Bid contract.