When Nature Requires a Resource to Be Used—The Case of ICallinectes sapidus/I: Distribution, Aggregation Patterns, and Spatial Structure in Northwest Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and Adjacent Waters

• Published in: Biology (Basel, Switzerland) Switzerland), 2024-04, Vol.13 (4)
• Main Authors: Castriota, Luca, Falautano, Manuela, Perzia, Patrizia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ecosystems; Indicators (Biology)
• ISSN: 2079-7737; 2079-7737
• DOI: 10.3390/biology13040279

The Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus, which is native to the western Atlantic coast and listed among the 100 most invasive alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, is attracting a great deal of interest because of its rapid colonisation of new areas, the significant increase in its population, and the impacts it may have on ecosystems. Outside its natural distribution range, the species was first found on the European coasts of the Atlantic in the early 1900s, and a few decades later, it was introduced into the Mediterranean Sea, probably through maritime traffic. Currently, it is found in almost the entire Mediterranean Basin and is also expanding into the Black Sea and along the north African and Iberian Atlantic coasts. This study describes the distribution of the Atlantic blue crab in Northwest Europe, in the Mediterranean Sea, and in adjacent waters through a series of ecological indicators elaborated using spatial–temporal statistics. The main results highlight that the species is expanding in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters, while in northern Europe, the population remains confined in some areas. The main species detection methods are analysed, finding that traps and nets are the most used methods, and management suggestions are provided. The Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus, which is native to the western Atlantic coast and listed among the 100 most invasive alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, is attracting a great deal of interest because of its rapid colonisation of new areas, the significant increase in its population, and the impacts it may have on ecosystems and ecosystem services. Outside its natural distribution range, the species was first found on European Atlantic coasts in the early 1900s and was introduced into the Mediterranean Sea a few decades later, probably through ballast water. Currently, it is found in almost the entire Mediterranean Basin and is also expanding into the Black Sea and along the north African and Iberian Atlantic coasts. Based on a systematic review of C. sapidus occurrences, this study describes its distribution, aggregation patterns, and spatial structure in Northwest Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and adjacent waters through a series of ecological indicators elaborated using GIS spatial–temporal statistics. The main results highlight that the species is expanding in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters, while in northern Europe, the population remains confined in some areas. Furthermore, t