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.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/warming-seas-stir-crab-invasion-20130531-2nfjp.html...
Last year, the state's hallmark $US350 million lobster industry was rocked by drastically warmer spring water temperatures that threw off the timing of the annual harvest, leading to a glut of early-season lobster and plummeting prices.
Coffin said he recognizes the need for further study before cause and effect can be established, but says clammers do not have the luxury of time.
"We used to take and expect Mother Nature to replenish, but that's a thing of the past," he said, turning over a clump of mud to expose hundreds of scurrying crabs. "Things are changing fast and it's getting out of control."
Sock don't like crabs, ay.
Darn good sock
