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The European Green Crab
The European Green Crab, also scientifically known as carcinus maenas, is an invasive species. It ha so invaded numerous coastal shores including South Africa, Australia, and both coasts of North America. The European Green Crab arrived on the eastern seaboard over 150 years ago. It is one of the most successful aquatic invaders. In 1879, the Green Crab found susceptible
A Green Crab’s niche is as an omnivore. They eat clams, mussels, small crabs, algae and many other small aquatic animals. They measure approximately 3 inches across; have invaded shells that range from dark green with yellow markings to orange or red. The Green Crab originated along the coast of the North and Baltic seas. In the 1950s, the Green Crab had migrated all the way up to Nova Scotia. They found protected embayment’s filled with molluscs, crustaceans and green algae for them to eat. In 1997, helped by strong El Nino current, the Crab had made it into Oregon, Washington, and British Colombia Estuaries. Although they have grown rapidly and reproduced, they have not been able to become well established. This may be partly attributed to rapid response and control effects.

In areas, where the Crab has been able to establish reproducing populations, they have had dramatic impacts on other species. Particularly smaller shore crabs, clams, and small oysters. While the crab cannot crack the shell of a mature oyster, they can prey on young oysters. One European Green Crab consumes 40 hail-inch clams a day. As well as the other crabs it’s own size. This means that, all the other consumers of clams, oysters etc. will not be gaining as much of their daily diet. This causes competition. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources are working with other government agencies, public, etc. to prevent the arrival and spread of invasive species. Parts, to fight invasive species include, monitoring and research, and control and management. Monitoring and research helps

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