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An unprecedented invasion of blue crabs in southern France’s Hérault region is leading to the disappearance of several species.
The invasion is taking place in the Etang de l’Or at Palavas-les-Flots.
This new species of crustacean, observed for several years on the French coast, is now invading the lakes and ponds of the Hérault département, reports Ouest France.
The blue crab originates from the United States. With its powerful claws and wingspan of up to 40 centimetres, it represents a real threat to diversity and fishing. A true predator, the blue crab can rip nets to shreds. A local fisherman told France 3 : “This year, I’ve noticed that compared to last year, when I caught maybe 20 or 30 individuals, I’m now up to 300 or 400. It’s exponential”. He added that several of his colleagues have caught more than 1,200 crustaceans of this species. For some reason, blue crabs return to the Etang de l’Or, renowned for its fish stocks, in the autumn. “It’s a swimming crab, it catches fish and eats everything, it’s really an animal invented by the devil!” another fisherman told Midi Libre.
More than nets, blue crabs are wiping out other aquatic species. Because of their proliferation, some species have already disappeared or are in the process of doing so. To limit the damage, the Conservatoire des espaces naturels d’Occitanie recommends investing in more resistant nets, and suggests that professionals fish for (and eat) these famous predators.
