An American blue crab has invaded Italian lagoons, causing significant damage to the local clam industry. The blue crab, native to the US eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico, has been found in large numbers in the Po Delta lagoons, where it is devouring the Manila clams that are a staple of Italian cuisine.

Impact on Local Fishers

The invasion of the blue crab has had a devastating impact on local fishers, with many being forced to quit their jobs due to the lack of clams to harvest. The number of fishers in the Scardovari consortium has decreased by 40% since the blue crab invasion began. Some fishers are attempting to adapt to the new situation by catching and selling the blue crabs, but the market price is low, making it difficult to turn a profit.

Scientists believe that the blue crab’s population explosion is due to the warming of the Mediterranean waters, which has allowed the crabs to reproduce more successfully. The Italian government has invested millions of euros to catch and dispose of the crabs, but so far, these efforts have been unsuccessful.

Efforts to Control the Population

A partnership between local fishers and a Sri Lankan company has been established to create a new supply chain for exporting the blue crabs. The company provides expertise in processing and commercializing the crabs, which are then sold to international markets, including the US. However, the blue crab population remains a significant problem, and it is unclear what the long-term solution will be.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.