Posted on 02/08/2006 8:02:32 AM PST by Willie Green
For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use.
THEY are the known as the terminators of the world's waterways,which can devastate entire species of fish and shellfish in a few short months.
Now an exotic Chinese crab which preys on British native species is on the verge of taking over the country's major waterways, environmental experts have warned.
A study showed invading mitten crabs, which can grow to the size of a dinner plate, could threaten other marine life.
Newcastle University researchers have warned there could be a population explosion of the creatures.
The study authors predict the mitten crab – so called because its claws are coated with small clumps of dark brown fur, or mittens – has the potential to establish itself in all major estuaries in several years time.
Mitten crabs are already present in some British waterways, including the Thames, Humber and Tyne rivers and parts of the North Sea and Channel coasts.
A member of the research team, Dr Matt Bentley, said: "The pattern of the spread in the UK since the 1970s mirrors the spread in mainland Europe and in the Baltic region which experienced a major outbreak.
"This is a fairly good indication that the UK is set for a similar situation."
The study, published in the academic journal Biological Invasions, says a nationwide monitoring and trapping system for the crab should be introduced.
LOL
Willie be banned for sometime now.
What about the intentional releasing. Why are the orientals doing that?
What are with the crab posts tonight? First it is the Pacific crabs over running Norway and the Barents Sea, then this! Let's draw the butter and be done with 'em! Crabs are good eatin' in my book!
Back in the days of the Pilgrims, before they realized how good lobsters were to eat and how much money they could make off tourists by opening overpriced nautical-themed restaurants, they would use lobsters to fertilize their corn fields.
welcome back...
Maybe WHO, PETA, and Green Peace activists could distribute condoms.
Alert Richard Branson, Prince Philip, and Bob Geldof!
Just tell the Muslims they taste like sheep.
You need a razor, a can of lighter fluid, a lighter and a mess kit knife....
You owe me a new keyboard!
Yes but you are hungry again in 30 minutes.
Wow, who resurrected this year old thread?
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