Some interesting stuff




IMPACTS
The Japanese Shore Crab is slowly overtaking the habitat of native crabs, such as green crabs and mud crabs. This tiny invader is becoming more dominant while the numbers of resident crabs slowly decline. This is due, in part, because it is an opportunistic omnivore; essentially eating anything that it's offered.An omnivore with an appetite for young clams, scallops, oysters, algae, fish larvae, and many other species, these crabs may well pose a threat to New England ecosystems and aquaculture operations. This new competition in the food chain is leaving many other species struggling. Although the total impact of this species is not yet know, many are questioning whether or not there could be a link between the recent collapse of the lobster population in Long Island Sound, Maine. Others are concerned that perhaps there's a connection between the rise of the Japanese crab and the decline of the blue crab populations in the Chesapeake Bay.


(Source: 1. Tiny Invader Becomes a Bully in Local Waters, June 10, 2001, by John McQuiston, The New York Times http://www.seagrant.sunysb.edu/Media...-ANS061001.htm ; 2. A Quick Guide to Marine Bioinvaders, MIT Sea Grant College Program, http://web.mit.edu/seagrant/bioinvade/japcrab.html)
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ORIGIN
Japanese Shore Crab was first identified on American shores in New Jersey in 1988. It's since made its way as far north as Portland, Maine, and as far south as North Carolina. The crab is indigenous to waters from southern Russia to Hong Kong The Japanese shore crab is invading Long Island Sound and crowding out native species, according to marine biologists. (Source: 1. Japanese Shore Crab, Department of Marine Resource, http://www.state.me.us/dmr/rm/asian_shore_crab.htm


DISTRIBUTION Link to Nonindigenous Crustaceans in the United States Distribution Map (Florida Caribbean Science Center) Link

http://www.fcsc.usgs.gov/posters/Nonindigenous_Crustaceans/nonindigenous_crustaceans.html

Crustaceans
(Focus on the Great Lakes)
1999 LinkPresented by Amy J. Benson and Pam L. Fuller
U.S.Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division Top



Control Japanese Shore Crab


While there are not yet chemical and biological methods to control this species, there are many suggestions that can be followed in order to work towards eradication. Suggestions include establishing a database of current status of invasive species, monitoring changes in "residency" of existing invasive species populations, increasing public awareness, monitoring ballast water discharge from freighters, and sending posters and fact sheets to parks, beaches, or recreation areas.
Each person plays an important role in preventing the introduction of non-native species, Here are some suggestions on how you can help:.


  • Don't transport plants and animals when you travel or move without checking with local authorities.
  • Never release pets, aquarium plants or animals or non-native plants into the wild.
  • Plant only native plants on your property.
  • Be familiar with the pathways through which non-native species can enter our lands and waters and do your part to stop their accidental release or movement.
  • Report any sitings of known or suspected invasive species to your state natural resource agency. A record of these sitings is necessary to determine the distribution of these species and monitor their effect.
(Source: 1. Three new Exotic Species of the Chesapeake and Coastal Regions, Maryland Recreational Fisheries,