Chinese Mitten Crabs Invade Lincolnshire
An invasive species of crab, known as the Chinese mitten crab, has been reportedly spotted in the Lincolnshire village. The presence of these crustaceans is concerning due to their potential impacts on the environment, fishing industry, as well as their painful bite when threatened.
Tackling the Invasion
Intriguingly, these crabs, originating from Southeast Asia, first appeared in the UK in 1935. They have also been recently seen in London, Cambridgeshire, and Peterborough with multiple sightings at Ferry Meadows Park, according to reports in The Mirror.
A trap has been installed at Pode Hole near Spalding by scientists to hinder the crabs from migrating to their breeding grounds. The primary target is to prevent further spread across the UK, which has already seen the crab being listed as a commonly found invasive species since 2016.
Erogenous Environmental Threat
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has warned of the crabs’ burrowing habits, highlighting that it has the potential to cause significant erosion to riverbanks. This species is one of the 30 invasive non-native animals that have raised concerns due to their aggressive spreading ability across several nations globally.
The crabs can also impact the fishing industry, as they feed on fish stocks and bear the potential to damage nets. Additionally, they pose a threat to native crabs by competing with them for food sources.
"We've had a few reports of Chinese Mitten Crab over the past week, particularly around Orton Water in Nene Park... They don't pose any direct threat to people or dogs but may give a nip if anything gets too close, so we would advise visitors to keep their distance if they come across one," said a spokesperson for the Nene Park Trust.
Residents are being urged to report any sightings of these invasive crabs to better control their spread. Additionally, the Marine Biological Association appeals to the public to aid in monitoring the spread of these furry clawed crustaceans.