This blue animal from the United States arrives on the Mediterranean coasts and was recently discovered in the Etang de Berre. He continues his colonization and this is why everyone fears him.
Many animals without predators are invading France and represent a threat to local species and biodiversity. These are invasive species that are a real nightmare for residents. In his new report “On the Front – These animals are invading France: who imported them?“broadcast on November 4 at 9:05 p.m. on France 5, Hugo Clément searches for those responsible and sets out to meet those who are fighting to ban the release of exotic species. Asian hornets, ring-necked parakeets, Louisiana crayfish, etc. “I realized that man has brought species to France that have no predators. They seriously endanger our local species“, explains the journalist. But a completely different species, blue and pearly in color, is causing increasing concern.
Originally from the American Atlantic coasts, this invasive species has invaded French waters in recent years and was recently discovered in the Etang de Berre located west of Marseille, in the French department of Bouches-du-Rhône. This is the blue crab, which has the ability to reproduce quickly and adapt to different environments, allowing it to expand quickly. But it represents a real threat, starting with fishermen.
And for good reason: with its large claws, the blue crab cuts their fillets, delights in their fish and shrimp and devours everything in its path, including other crustaceans and shellfish. According to the French Biodiversity Office (OFB), the blue crab also feeds on mussels, oysters and clams. “Capable of quickly adapting to different marine and estuarine environments as well as being a very good breeder, this crustacean could have a considerable impact on local species, habitats and fishing” warns the OFB.
In France, the blue crab has been observed since 2017 and continues to multiply on the coasts of the Gulf of Lion, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, and mainly on the Mediterranean coast, at the level of its lagoons and ponds (Etang de Thau, Berre pond, Canet-Saint-Nazaire, Corsica, etc.), notes the OFB.