The NSW Government has declared a species of crab as a noxious fish after investigation found it was being traded in NSW from interstate. NSW primary Industries Minister Ian MacDonald informed that the European green crab is a highly invasive species that is known to wreck the environment and engulf native species.
It is said that selling European green crabs live in NSW is illegal and the penalty is up to $11,000. The voracious predator feeds on many types of organisms including shellfish and other crabs. The species has been listed as Class 1 Noxoious fish under Section 209 of te Fisheries Management Act 1994. This declaration prohibits the possession and sale of live European green crabs.
Minister Macdonald told that the European green crab is a medium sized crab indentifiable with three blunt spines between the eyes and five pointed spines either side of the eyes.
Industry and Investment (I&I) NSW Fisheries Compliance Manager, Glenn Tritton informed that the declaration means it is illegal to possess or sell the crab live. I&I NSW Aquatic Biosecurity Manager, Jane Frances, told that the European green crab can live in a variety of intertidal habitats bit is often seen on nudflats, amongst rocks or sea grass in protected marine bays and estuaries.
