Asian paddle crab spotted in SA for the third time in 12 months, creating concern for fishing industry
The third discovery of a pest species of crab in South Australian waters this past year is putting the pinch on authorities to act, to ensure the clawed critter doesn’t gain a stronghold in the state.
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A third invasive Asian paddle crab has been found in South Australian waters in 12 months, this time in the Port River.
The crab is an aggressive, non-native species that could out-compete South Australian native seafood like the blue swimmer crab.
The first sighting in SA was reported in September last year, when the invasive pest was caught near Outer Harbor.
The latest detection, involving a male Asian paddle crab, was made by a recreational fisher who reported the find to Fishwatch.
Wildcatch Fisheries SA president Dennis Holder said it was important the species did not get a chance to establish itself in the state’s waters.
“It’s always a concern when something foreign turns up,” he said.
“With exotic species, it’s hard to know whether they could take off like rabbits.”
Asian paddle crabs are native to central and eastern Asia.
Mr Holder said recreational fishers could play a key role in protecting the state’s seafood industry against the unwanted arrival.
“If you’ve got any doubts about a species you’ve never seen before, please take a photograph and send it to Fishwatch,” he said.
SA Recreational Fishing Advisory Council chairman Graham Keegan said with COVID-19 and snapper fishing bans, the industry did not need any more challenges to confront at the moment.
“The last thing we need is an invasive species wiping out our blue swimmer crab industry,” he said.
“We need everyone’s eyes on the water and reporting any sightings.”
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said Asian paddle crabs had the potential to carry exotic aquatic diseases, such as white spot, which could spread and affect the state’s highly-regarded premium seafood species, including prawns, crabs and lobsters.
“The Asian paddle crab is not currently established anywhere in Australia and we must do everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen in SA,” Mr Whetstone said.
Asian paddle crab has six spines down each side of its shell and sharp spines between its eyes.
Any sightings of suspected Asian paddle crab can be reported to Fishwatch (1800 065 522) or by emailing PIRSA (invasivespecies@sa.gov.au)