Invasion of Blue Crabs Threatens Clam Harvesting in Italy's Po Delta

The invasion of Atlantic blue crabs in the Po Delta has drastically impacted local clam fisheries, with annual clam catches plummeting by 93% over the past three years. Fisherwomen Oscarina Soncin and Giovanna Pizzo, who have harvested clams for over two decades, now struggle to meet their quotas as the invasive crabs consume the clams essential to their livelihood. The blue crab population has surged due to climate change and favorable environmental conditions, leading to a significant decline in clam availability. As a result, over 600 local fishermen have left the industry, while others attempt to adapt to the ecological changes affecting their work.

Key Details: • Annual clam captures in Scardovari dropped by 93% since 2020. • Over 600 fishermen, or 40% of local fishers, have left clam harvesting. • The blue crab population increased by 900% from 2022 to 2024, reaching 2,000 tons.