Chinese Mitten crab

Seen a report on the BBC the other day about these. Anyone come across one yet. They have white tipped claws with a little tuft of hair on them. Apparently they're a bit of a pest!!

I found this in the news today...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/4690988.stm

-F

The first recorded catch of a Chinese mitten crab in Ireland was made in the River Suir about three weeks ago. Unfortunately the lad didn't know what it was and how much of a pest it is and threw it back. It is eaten in China (Surprise Surprise) but can carry liver fluke if not cooked correctly. It causes damage to habitats by burrowing into banks. There is much concern that it is spreading into Ireland as it has been in England for a long time.

And are they any good for bait? :lol:

Seriously, does anybody know who we should notify if we find thes and what should we do with any caught? (Marine Institute, maybe - or the Fisheries Boards - I don't know who alien species are supposed to be notifiable to...)

When the one was caught in the Suir there was a professor in a University in Switzerland who wanted any info available. Not sure how he knew about it? I will get some more details and post them here ASAP.

I know the trawler fishermen hate them, they damage their nets, so the little buggers cant be all bad then.

I have heard that they are no worse than our Green Shore crab, like all animals on earth where man is concerned, they will have their Yings and Yangs.

If they make good bait and I think they would, they may be our Ying, or is it Yang.....never could figure what one was good :lol:

They,re not so little. Bigger than what you see in the supermarkets.