Italy has introduced 130,000 octopuses into its coastal waters in an attempt to control a rapidly growing population of invasive blue crabs. The blue crabs, which have proliferated over decades, are causing significant damage to the Italian fishing sector and the delicate ecosystem of the Po Delta lagoon.
The aggressive blue crabs have been damaging fishing nets, consuming shellfish, and impacting fish populations. Alessio Mammi, Councillor for Agriculture of the Emilia-Romagna Region, described the blue crab as "one of the most serious crises to have hit our waters," noting that it has devastated approximately 70% of clam production. The estimated economic damage to the fishing industry has reached €200 million, or roughly $233 million, according to the fishermen's organization Coldiretti.
Scientists involved in the "Octo-Blu" project, a collaboration between the regional government of Emilia-Romagna and Bologna University, released the juvenile octopuses in coastal towns like Riccione and Cesenatico, which have been particularly affected. Dr. Oliviero Mordenti, a scientist managing the project, explained that octopuses are natural predators of the blue crab. He highlighted the significant impact a single octopus can have, noting that if an octopus consumes a female blue crab, it prevents the potential laying of 1.5 to 2 million eggs.
While the octopus population matures, with each adult capable of consuming up to four crabs per day, authorities are also encouraging consumption of the invasive species. Blue crabs are appearing in Italian supermarkets and fishmongers, and restaurants are adding them to menus in dishes such as risotto and pasta. Despite their invasive nature and striking appearance, the crabs are deemed safe for consumption. This dual approach aims to both biologically control the crab population and create a new market for them.