Italy sets up special commission to combat invasive blue crabs

Italian beaches have once again been invaded by blue crabs, known as "killers of the seas." These crabs pose a significant threat to the marine ecosystem. In response, Italians have taken steps to combat the growing problem and established a special commission.

The blue swimmer crab, which naturally occurs in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, has been appearing on Italian beaches and river mouths for several years. For another consecutive year, there has been talk of an actual invasion of this pest.

Over the last decade, the population of blue crabs has increased to such an extent that it has become a significant problem for the marine ecosystem. Local fishermen also complain about their abundance, as their nets are mostly filled with these crabs. "It is a catastrophe. We are at zero production. We are only catching crabs," admitted Paolo Mancin, head of the Fishing Cooperative, quoted by the portal kelo.com.

The blue swimmer crab also preys on mussels, a much more valuable catch for the fishermen. The crabs can also cut through nets. Interestingly, the government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni allocated approximately €2.9 million last year to help companies affected by the blue crabs.

The Italian authorities have decided to take action and have established a special commission to address the problem of the excessive number of crabs invading Italian beaches.

Interestingly, some are trying to make use of the blue pest. In the regions of Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany, blue crabs have started appearing on restaurant menus.

The colloquial name of the crab - "killer of the seas" is not accidental. Representatives of this species feed on mussels, fish roe, and other aquatic organisms. Moreover, in the warm waters of the Adriatic, no predator could control the rapidly growing population of this crustacean.