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.
Project parnters include:
The Natural History Museum
Royal Holloway - University of London
Countryside Council for Wales
Newcastle University
The Marine Biological Association
Welsh Government
Tyne Rivers Trust
Environment Agency
Fishmongers Company
GB non-native species secretariat