Fishers in the Albufera, a large freshwater lagoon in the Gulf of Valencia, face increasing numbers of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), an aggressive invader that preys on other species and destroys fishing gear.
The project set out to learn the migratory movements of the blue crab so to be able to stop it spreading further. As a result, a plan is being developed to promote the sustainable recovery of the Albufera by reducing blue crab numbers. The main approach is to intercept the female crabs during the spawning period, before they reach the sea. Knowledge of their migration patterns allows greater numbers to be caught. The blue crabs are good to eat and their sale generates a profit for the fishers, while helping the local environment to recover.
- Project locations
- Spain
- Overall budget
- €16 540
- EU contribution
- €14 05985% of the overall budget
- Project website
- Medio Plan Cangrejo Azul Albufera Valencia
Results
This project brought together scientists and experts from the fishing sector to provide a solution to all the environmental, social and economic issues related to the blue crab in the Albufera. The result is a joint action plan that takes account of the fishing effort required.
With eel fishing banned from April to October, the local fishers could only fish for blue crabs during the remaining five months of the year. The study convinced the management authorities of the Albufera Natural Park that controlling blue crab requires year-round fishing, with specific modified gear that does not catch eels.
The study has provided a better understanding of the behaviour of the blue crab and its migratory movement in the area, and especially how this behaviour differs from that in the crab’s original home in the western Atlantic.
Contact
José Caballer Torrent
- Name
- José Caballer Torrent
- Organisation
- El Palmar Fishers’ Community
- Phone number
- 679882293
Fisheries LAG
- Name
- Fisheries LAG
- Organisation
- La Safor FLAG
- Phone number
- +34 961620347