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Invasive Mitten Crab spotting across Peterborough called 'bizarre'

A pair of the crabs, which have fur on their claws, were filmed at Kings Dyke in Whittlesey by Richard Bailey

Invasive Chinese mitten crabs that can have a negative impact on the fishing industry and riverbanks are being spotted in waterways in Cambridgeshire.

The crabs have been seen on busy roads and at Nene Park in Peterborough, and filmed in a dyke in Whittlesey.

Stuart Selby saw a crab crossing Oundle Road and said it was "bizarre".

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the burrowing of the crab could erode riverbanks.

Stuart Selby CrabStuart Selby
The invasive mitten crab has been spotted in Yaxley, Whittlesey, and Oundle Road in Peterborough

According to Defra, the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is among 30 species of invasive non-native animals listed as a concern due to "its invasiveness and the ability to establish in several nations across Europe".

It was included in the list as being "widely-spread" across the UK in 2016.

Defra also said it could have an impact on the fishing industry and recreational anglers by feeding on fish stocks and damaging nets.

'May give a nip'

The Natural History Museum said they could grow to the size of dinner plates.

The Nene Park Trust said it received reports of Chinese mitten crab sightings last week, particularly around Orton Water, which is surrounded by Orton Meadows golf course.

It added that there was little that could be done "as they are spreading naturally through UK waterways".

A trust spokesperson said: "They don't pose any threat to people or dogs, but may give a nip if anything gets too close, so we would advise visitors to keep their distance."

Richard Bailey CrabRichard Bailey
The Chinese mitten crab, which can grow to the size of a dinner plate, has distinctive white fur on its legs and is also known as the Shanghai hairy crab

Defra confirmed it received reports of this species on the Cambridgeshire Fens.

The species was considered to be established in the Thames in 1973 and since then it has been found in other rivers in the UK.

The environment department also said there was no legal fishery for the species; if a Chinese mitten crab is caught as a by-catch, they cannot be sold live for human consumption.

They have encouraged people to report sightings to help prevent the movement of crab eggs.

You can record it online and include a photograph of your sighting if you have one, to help with identification.

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