Invasive blue crabs are poised to devastate the global clam supply

Crabs are invading Italian waters and threatening the local fishing economy – potentially jeopardising the global supply of clams in the process.

Atlantic blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) are native to the eastern coasts of North and South America, where they are celebrated by diners as a summer delicacy. However, the predatory crabs have been spreading through the Mediterranean in recent decades and are feasting on young clams and mussels, along with other marine life.

These crabs …