Mitten crab invasion may pose economic and ecological threat in New York

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Despite growing concerns about invasive species such as the Joro spider making their way to New York, there is already one present that may cause negative economic and ecological impacts.

The mitten crab, native to East Asia, is already populating the Hudson River, New York Harbor, and the Long Island Sound.

Easily identified by their claws with brown setae that look like hairy mittens, the crabs were first reported in New York in 2007, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

While their impacts in New York remain unknown, DEC officials cited the negative impacts crab populations have had in Europe and California.

DEC officials warned that the mitten crab has been known to interfere with commercial and recreational fisheries and even cause industry disruptions by blocking the cooling systems of power plants.

Negative ecological impacts may include increased erosion from burrowing in stream banks, leading to higher flood risk, and competing with native species for food and habitat.

Anyone who believes they have caught a mitten crab should not release it. Instead, they should take several photos from different angles and freeze the crab so that someone may collect it for testing.

Take note of where it was caught and email the details and location to the DEC at isinfo@dec.ny.gov.

Reports can also be submitted through iMapInvasives and to your local Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management.