The blue crab, which is considered a fisherman’s ‘horrific dream’ for tearing their nets, became more visible with the increasing warming in the Black Sea, and the species began to breed here.
While the effect of global warming is making itself felt deeply in the weather conditions this year, species changes in the underwater and above-water ecosystems draw attention…
Ordu University Fatsa Marine Sciences Faculty Fisheries Technology Engineering Department Lecturer Prof. Dr. Mehmet Aydin and his team came across the eggs of a rare blue crab, whose homeland is the Atlantic Ocean and is rarely seen in the Black Sea, during underwater studies.
“Fisherman’s Dream”
Scientists expanded their investigations when they detected reproduction in the blue crab, which is considered to have come to the region due to the variability in sea water temperature and is also the ‘horrific dream’ of fishermen because they tore the nets.
In addition to the effects of the crab species on the marine ecosystem and fish population, their distribution areas will be revealed with the prepared research project.
“Blue crab has started to be encountered more frequently in the Black Sea.”
Stating that blue crabs breed in the Black Sea, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Aydin said, “In the studies, blue crabs have started to be encountered more frequently in the Black Sea. We think that these blue crabs came from the Mediterranean in the form of eggs and larvae through maritime activities. The little individuals who came here grew up and started to get caught in the fishermen’s nets. There are large individuals around 500 grams that I have measured. At the same time, we have also identified individuals with eggs in my studies. We think that crabs breed in the Black Sea. I do not think that blue crabs will have a very negative effect on the Black Sea ecosystem,” he said.
“The Black Sea Is Warming”
Explaining that other creatures may enter the Black Sea ecosystem as a result of the change in sea water temperatures, Prof. Dr. Aydın said, “The Black Sea is warming up. The water temperature has started to increase a little more every day. In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about global warming, climate change or the change of seasons.
“Includes Other Invasive Species in the Black Sea”
“Therefore, when the temperatures of the waters change, many creatures can enter the Black Sea ecosystem via the Bosphorus. Studies conducted in this context include other invasive species in the Black Sea.
We don’t know how they will react, but the blue crab is a creature of commercial value after all. All living things have a place in the ecosystem. Crabs are also creatures that live in healthy ecosystems. We are following what kind of effect it will have on the Black Sea. We continue to work on this.”
