The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife would like recreational crabbers to be aware that Chinese mitten crabs have been caught in New Jersey waters, the most recent being those captured by both commercial and recreational fishermen in Raritan, Barnegat and Delaware Bays. Mitten crabs are native to Asia but have invaded portions of northern Europe and California.
Biologists would like to gather as much information as possible on any mitten crabs that have been caught this year or in recent years to help determine their current distribution. The public can help by providing information on any mitten crabs that are encountered.
The crabs are easy to identify and the online mitten crab poster lists identification characteristics as well as some general information on the species. If a mitten crab happens to be caught, it is important to document as much information as possible and take a picture of the crab for identification and proof of capture.
For more information on the crabs, how to identify them the online poster and how to report them, please visit
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2009/mittencrab09.htm on the division's website.
