Invasion dynamics and management of the Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in a European salt marsh: Evidence from the Bay of Cádiz, Spain
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Biological invasions are reshaping coastal ecosystems, yet invader performance in aquaculture-influenced salt marsh habitats remains poorly resolved. We conducted an 18-month survey (January 2023–July 2024) at two contrasting salt marsh sites in the Bay of Cádiz, Spain, to compare the invasive Atlantic blue crab ( Callinectes sapidus ) with the native European green crab ( Carcinus maenas ). Monthly fyke-net sampling was paired with concurrent prey assessments and water-column measurements. We captured 168 C. sapidus and 1086 C. maenas individuals. Mean abundance (individuals net −1 24 h −1 ) was higher for C. sapidus at the Fish site (1.83 ± 0.36) and for C. maenas at the Oyster site (16.28 ± 1.91). Biomass (ash free dry mass, g) was higher for C. sapidus at the Fish site (11.63 ± 2.08 vs 4.58 ± 1.15 at the Oyster site) and for C. maenas at the Oyster site (10.53 ± 1.22 vs 1.12 ± 0.43 at the Fish site). Body sizes mirrored these patterns ( C. sapidus at Fish site: +14.5 mm carapace width, +5.9 mm carapace length relative to Oyster site; C. maenas at the Oyster site: +2.7 mm carapace width, +2.3 mm carapace length versus the Fish site; p < 0.05). Seasonal peaks differed ( C. sapidus : late spring–early summer; C. maenas : winter–spring), with a winter non detection of C. sapidus . Linear mixed-effects models showed that C. sapidus abundance increased under warmer, macroinfauna-rich conditions, whereas C. maenas was more abundant in cooler, more turbid waters with higher availability of fish and hyperbenthic prey. These patterns suggest thermal-prey pathways in aquaculture-modified salt marshes and provide cues for targeted monitoring, removal, and future management.
Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,740
Awards: G1175115578, G121809054, G1855990336, G210041235, G2262748287, G2309174360, G2551911579, G2601397997, G2660406951, G279363373, G300979063, G34346518, G3480869486, G3681454997, G3690828678, G4042783231, G425668148, G430777504, G5080475149, G5195188938, G5421974903, G6326031618, G7084143925, G8029590142, G8431162109, G8684520763, G897484643, G99296377
OpenAlex ID: W4416538462