Spatial control of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus explosive invasion to preserve clam farming in the Po Delta lagoons, Italy
- 1National Research Council, Institute for Biological Resources and Marine Biotechnology, Largo Fiera della Pesca, 2, 60125 Ancona, Italy
- 2Consorzio Cooperative Pescatori del Polesine O.P. S.C.Ar.L., Via della Sacca 11, 45018 Porto Tolle, Rovigo, Italy
Abstract
The rapid expansion of the invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus in the northern Adriatic Sea has caused severe ecological and economic disruptions, particularly within the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum aquaculture sector in the Po Delta lagoons. In response, fishers and aquaculture cooperatives have spontaneously implemented spatial control measures, including perimeter fencing, predator-exclusion netting, and selective trapping, to mitigate predation and safeguard clam farming areas. This study documents these interventions and analyzes trends in blue crab and clam landings between 2022 and 2024 to provide a more comprehensive picture of recent dynamics. Although clam production remains far below pre-invasion levels, spatial containment and daily trapping have facilitated a partial recovery of clam farming activities. These farmer-led initiatives represent a compelling example of spatial control, whereby invasive crab densities are suppressed below damage thresholds in key productive areas. In addition, efforts to commercialize the blue crab, particularly through new export markets, have helped offset economic losses. These findings provide valuable insights into adaptive, community-driven strategies for managing aquatic invaders. Considering the substantial national government investment to subsidize fishers and support blue crab disposal, the present study demonstrates how bottom-up initiatives can complement, and even anticipate, formal management frameworks.
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BibTeX
@article{bonanomi2026spatial,
title = {{Spatial control of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus explosive invasion to preserve clam farming in the Po Delta lagoons, Italy}},
author = {S Bonanomi and E Rossetti and E Azzurro},
journal = {Aquaculture Environment Interactions},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.3354/aei00522},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3354/aei00522},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Spatial control of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus explosive invasion to preserve clam farming in the Po Delta lagoons, Italy
AU - S Bonanomi
AU - E Rossetti
AU - E Azzurro
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/01
JO - Aquaculture Environment Interactions
DO - 10.3354/aei00522
UR - https://doi.org/10.3354/aei00522
AB - The rapid expansion of the invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus in the northern Adriatic Sea has caused severe ecological and economic disruptions, particularly within the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum aquaculture sector in the Po Delta lagoons. In response, fishers and aquaculture cooperatives have spontaneously implemented spatial control measures, including perimeter fencing, predator-exclusion netting, and selective trapping, to mitigate predation and safeguard clam farming areas. This study documents these interventions and analyzes trends in blue crab and clam landings between 2022 and 2024 to provide a more comprehensive picture of recent dynamics. Although clam production remains far below pre-invasion levels, spatial containment and daily trapping have facilitated a partial recovery of clam farming activities. These farmer-led initiatives represent a compelling example of spatial control, whereby invasive crab densities are suppressed below damage thresholds in key productive areas. In addition, efforts to commercialize the blue crab, particularly through new export markets, have helped offset economic losses. These findings provide valuable insights into adaptive, community-driven strategies for managing aquatic invaders. Considering the substantial national government investment to subsidize fishers and support blue crab disposal, the present study demonstrates how bottom-up initiatives can complement, and even anticipate, formal management frameworks.
SN - 1869-215X
SN - 1869-7534
ER -