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Chinese Crab Invasion \'Threat to Waterways\'
Invasion: The Chinese mitten crab threatens to take over the country\'s waterways
An exotic Chinese crab that preys on British native species is on the verge of taking over the country\'s major waterways, environmental experts warn.
A study found that the invading mitten crabs, which can grow to the size of a dinner plate, could threaten other marine life, just as grey squirrels have pushed British reds to the verge of extinction.
Big problem: The invading Chinese mitten crabs can grow to the size of a dinner plate
Newcastle University researchers compared how mittens had swept through continental Europe in the last century with their progress through British waters, and concluded there could be a population explosion.
The study authors predict that the mitten crab - so called because its claws are coated with small clumps of dark brown fur, or mittens - has the potential to establish itself in all major UK estuaries in several years\' time.
They are unwelcome because they prey on protected native species, such as white-clawed crayfish and salmon eggs. They also destabilise river banks by burrowing into them with their 50cm-long boreholes.
The invaders, considered a delicacy in China and Japan when eaten raw, can survive in both sea and fresh water and are adept at moving over land. Chinese mitten crabs are already present in some of our waterways, including the Thames, Humber and Tyne rivers and parts of the North Sea and Channel coasts.
They were brought into Europe in ships\' ballast water. The UK invasion was most marked along the east coast northwards to the River Tyne and on the south coast westwards to the River Teign.
Dr Matt Bentley, a member of the research team, said: \"The pattern of the spread in the UK since the 1970s mirrors the spread in mainland Europe and in the Baltic region, which experienced a major outbreak.
\"This is a fairly good indication that the UK is set for a similar situation.\'\'
The study, published in the academic journal Biological Invasions, recommends that a nationwide monitoring and trapping system for the crab should be introduced before it is too late to control the population.
The team also asked anglers to look out for mittens, so their spread can continue to be monitored.
Dr Bentley said: \"With most invasive species, such as the grey squirrel, the problem is not recognised until it is too late to do anything and you cannot eliminate it without taking drastic environmental measures.\'\'
Sorry there\'s no pictures
[Edited on 8/2/2006 by Stores]
Chinese Crab Invasion \'Threat to Waterways\'
Invasion: The Chinese mitten crab threatens to take over the country\'s waterways
An exotic Chinese crab that preys on British native species is on the verge of taking over the country\'s major waterways, environmental experts warn.
A study found that the invading mitten crabs, which can grow to the size of a dinner plate, could threaten other marine life, just as grey squirrels have pushed British reds to the verge of extinction.
Big problem: The invading Chinese mitten crabs can grow to the size of a dinner plate
Newcastle University researchers compared how mittens had swept through continental Europe in the last century with their progress through British waters, and concluded there could be a population explosion.
The study authors predict that the mitten crab - so called because its claws are coated with small clumps of dark brown fur, or mittens - has the potential to establish itself in all major UK estuaries in several years\' time.
They are unwelcome because they prey on protected native species, such as white-clawed crayfish and salmon eggs. They also destabilise river banks by burrowing into them with their 50cm-long boreholes.
The invaders, considered a delicacy in China and Japan when eaten raw, can survive in both sea and fresh water and are adept at moving over land. Chinese mitten crabs are already present in some of our waterways, including the Thames, Humber and Tyne rivers and parts of the North Sea and Channel coasts.
They were brought into Europe in ships\' ballast water. The UK invasion was most marked along the east coast northwards to the River Tyne and on the south coast westwards to the River Teign.
Dr Matt Bentley, a member of the research team, said: \"The pattern of the spread in the UK since the 1970s mirrors the spread in mainland Europe and in the Baltic region, which experienced a major outbreak.
\"This is a fairly good indication that the UK is set for a similar situation.\'\'
The study, published in the academic journal Biological Invasions, recommends that a nationwide monitoring and trapping system for the crab should be introduced before it is too late to control the population.
The team also asked anglers to look out for mittens, so their spread can continue to be monitored.
Dr Bentley said: \"With most invasive species, such as the grey squirrel, the problem is not recognised until it is too late to do anything and you cannot eliminate it without taking drastic environmental measures.\'\'
Sorry there\'s no pictures
[Edited on 8/2/2006 by Stores]
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