Italy is enlisting an unusual ally in its fight against an invasive crustacean: the octopus. Tens of thousands of juvenile octopuses have been released into the sea in an innovative pest control effort targeting the overpopulated blue crab.
The blue crab, accidentally introduced to Italian waters decades ago, has thrived due to a lack of natural predators, leading to significant ecological and economic damage. The crabs have been known to tear holes in fishing nets and consume valuable shellfish like clams and mussels. According to Coldiretti, an organization representing fishermen and farmers, the damage caused by blue crabs has reached an estimated €170 million (approximately $185 million USD).
The 'Octo-Blu' project, based in the Emilia-Romagna region along the Adriatic coast, has released 130,000 common octopuses in the hope that they will help manage the crab population. Scientists anticipate that when the octopuses mature, they could consume up to four blue crabs per day.
Alessio Mammi, responsible for agriculture and fisheries in Emilia-Romagna, described the blue crab as a serious crisis for Italian waters, noting that in some areas, the crabs have destroyed up to 70 percent of clam production. Some aquaculture businesses have been forced to close due to the infestation.
The blue crab's adaptability has allowed it to spread significantly, with sightings reported up to 100 miles inland from the Po River delta. Experts believe that octopuses could have a substantial impact on the blue crab population, which numbers in the tens of millions. Dr. Oliviero Mordenti from Bologna University highlighted the potential effect of a single octopus preying on a female blue crab, which could have laid up to two million eggs.
In addition to the octopus initiative, the Italian government is also encouraging residents to consume blue crabs to help reduce their numbers. The species has begun appearing in markets and restaurants, with chefs developing new recipes for dishes like salads and pasta.
The project's initial releases have focused on the coastal towns of Riccione and Cesenatico, areas particularly affected by the blue crabs. Plans are also underway to extend the octopus deployment along the Mediterranean coast.