Warmer seas fuel Maine crab invasion, clammers say [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

Warmer seas fuel Maine crab invasion, clammers say
Source: Reuters - Thu, 30 May 2013 07:50 PM
Author: Reuters

By Dave Sherwood

FREEPORT, Maine, May 30 (Reuters) - An invasion of European green crabs, encouraged by rising ocean temperatures, is eating its way north through Maine's clam flats, threatening the 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.

What has changed the picture, according to clammers, is that warmer water temperatures have created a crab boom, and those crabs are now consuming clam beds like never before.

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