Originating from the Atlantic coasts of the Americas, the Callinectes sapidus (blue crab) has been present in Italy since the mid-20th century. However, over the past year, milder winters have allowed this invasive species to remain active for longer periods throughout the year. This prolonged activity is exacerbating its impact on the local clam populations in the Adriatic Sea, leading to increased ecological and economic concerns.
Early August, the Italian government dispatched a former prefect to intervene swiftly and allocated €10 million in aid due to the urgency of the situation.
The warming of the Adriatic Sea has created favorable conditions for the proliferation of the blue crab. With its claws, the Callinectes sapidus is capable of extracting the soft bodies of mussels, oysters, and clams.
Clams, in particular, are especially favored by this crustacean, leading to a dramatic 80 to 90% decline in their production over the past year in the Po River delta.
This is a scourge for the shellfish industry. The economic situation of 2,000 fishing families along the Italian Adriatic coast is threatened. The phenomenon also affects the Balkans.
Source: le temps
