Chinese mitten crabs are officially listed as one of the World’s 100 worst invasive species. They can cause damage to fishing gear and river banks, block intake screens, modify natural habitats and compete with native species. It is this economic and ecological damage that makes this crab such an unwelcome arrival. The full extent of these exotic pests in English and Welsh waters is currently unclear and a consortium of research institutes is requesting mitten crab sightings from members of the public, anglers and waterway workers, to clarify the distribution of this species.
Scope:
Chinese mitten crabs Eriocheir sinensis
Taxonomy:
Crustacean
Habitat:
Coastal, Marine
Country:
British Isles
Region:
British Isles
Organisations:
NHM, MBA, Newcastle University, Welsh Government, CC for Wales, Tyne Rivers Trust, Royal Holloway University of London
Contact emails:
How to take part:
Sightings can be submitted all year
Website:
How to get involved
Report your sightings by email, phone or online
Please tell us where and when you saw a Chinese mitten crab, your contact details