Blue crabs thrive, Italy is worried”
Atlantic blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) have invaded much of the Mediterranean region from Spain They came from southern France to Tunisia and began to appear in Italian waters. Here they also have another nickname, “killer of the sea”.
This species of crab originally originated in Italy. bays and estuaries of the North Atlantic coast of the United States. They were accidentally brought to Italy by ship.
The rapid proliferation of crabs that are considered “very voracious” has forced the Italian government to get involved. In a recent announcement, the country’s government said it had set aside 2.9 million Euros in an emergency fund to solve the problem of “how to prevent the rapid spread of blue crabs affecting clams and mussels.
It is known that mussels and clams are a source of seafood that many Italians are especially fond of during the summer.
In addition, this species of crab also affects the livelihoods of fishermen. . Coldiretti Italian Agricultural Producers Association warns that 3,000 households business fisheries “are at risk because of this alien invasion species.
Mr. Tonino Giardini, a member of the Impresa Pesca Fishermen’s Association, said blue crabs also hunts for fry and fish eggs.
“We still don’t know much about this species of crab. How it reproduces and survives, what factors affect its development” he said.
Currently funds provided by the government will support fishermen and encourage scientific research. Mr. Giardini believes this is very important because “improving knowledge will help people find effective methods to cope.”
< p>Meanwhile, Italian chefs are trying to think of recipes to create spaghetti with Atlantic blue crab meat or turn it into a stew. If the recipe is successful, it can “convince” diners to try it. In some areas of Italy this crab is offered for sale at a price of 10 Euro/kg (more than 260,000 VND).
In the Cyclades islands of Greece, people are advised that “blue crabs are predators”. is” different from invasive species such as leaf-squid lionfish…
Similarly in Tunisia where a few years ago blue crabs were considered a pest. But now they have become a valuable fishing product that brings high income to fishermen.
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