Oct 20, 2023 at 8:05 PM Update: an hour ago
The large spider crab has established itself in the Oosterschelde. This means that the species, which is one of the largest crabs in the world, is in the Netherlands for the first time.
In recent months, large spider crabs have been found during several diving and fishing trips, says the ANEMOON Foundation, the marine research organization. Large spider crabs are widely fished because their meat is a delicacy for many.
The body of large spider crabs is only about 20 centimeters long, but the spider-like legs including pincers are enormous. The crab was already on the rise in the North Sea, but now the animal has been found in Dutch rivers for the first time.
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In Europe, large spider crabs occur naturally in the Channel Zone and areas further south. In recent years, large numbers of spider crabs have been increasingly seen near the Belgian coast. According to researchers, this is due to climate change. ANEMOON therefore thinks it is logical that the crustaceans have now appeared in the Netherlands.
By the way, lobsters and crabs in the Oosterschelde are not doing well. Many dead animals have been found in recent weeks, probably as a result of a disease. There are also hardly any shrimps seen anymore. Experts are investigating what exactly is going on. ANEMOON asks to report sightings of dead animals.
Foto: Getty ImagesFoto: Getty Images
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2023-10-20 18:05:01
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