Peninsula beachgoers have been asked to look out for Asian shore crabs after reports of sightings at Mount Martha beach as well as at Ricketts Point. The invasive species is not thought to be established in Australia, but the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning says it could spread rapidly, competing with and preying on native species as well as commercially important scallops, mussels and oysters.
The crabs have a 4cm green-purple/orange-brown square shell, spots on their claws, a banded pattern on their legs, and three spines on either side of their shell near each eye.
Anyone who believes they have found one is asked to phone the department on 13 61 86 or email marine.pests@agriculture.vic.gov.au
