Italy Allocates 2.9 Million Euros to Combat Blue Crab Invasion The Italian government has dedicated 2.9 million euros ($3.2 million) to address the proliferation of an aggressive crab species that poses a significant threat to Italy standing as a leading global clam producer.
Known as the “blue crab,” originating from the western Atlantic, this invasive species has rapidly extended its presence to multiple lagoon-like regions within Italy. Its predatory behavior targeting local shellfish, fish roe, and aquatic ecosystems has sent ripples of concern through the clams aquafarm industry, as highlighted by Reuters.
The reasons behind the sudden acceleration in their proliferation remain unclear, leaving experts to ponder whether climate change might play a role in this phenomenon.
Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida embarked on a visit to the Po River delta in northern Italy, one of the most heavily impacted areas. During this visit, he affirmed that emergency funding approval would be sought during a scheduled meeting on the ensuing Monday.
In accordance with a draft document reviewed by Reuters, the earmarked 2.9 million euros will be directed towards fishing cooperatives and aquafarmers engaged in a large-scale fishing endeavor aimed at reining in the burgeoning blue crab population.
In recent times, Emanuele Rossetti of the Fishermen’s Cooperative of the Polesine, a segment of the Po delta valley, revealed that as much as 12 metric tons of crabs were being harvested daily, yet their numbers showed minimal decline.
Italy stands as Europe’s premier clam producer and ranks third globally, trailing only China and South Korea, as per 2021 data from the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization. Additionally, the nation’s culinary heritage is intertwined with dishes like “spaghetti alle vongole” (spaghetti with clams), an iconic masterpiece of Italian cuisine.
