Marine Pests - Environment Southland

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MaRinE ExcluSion oRganiSMS
cHinESE MittEn cRaB
Eriochier sinensis
Description
Not currently known to be present in New Zealand,
the Chinese mitten crab is light brown with a body
width up to 8 cm. Adults have dense patches of hairs
on the claws (from which the species gets its name).
The crab has a round body shape and a distinctive
notch between the eyes. In adults, the legs are twice
the length of its body width.
The Chinese mitten crab is a highly invasive species,
which can cause major ecological and economic
damage. Juvenile crabs form dense colonies and
create burrows in the inter-tidal portions of streams.
This process undermines the integrity of stream
banks, greatly increasing erosion. It can also carry a
lung fluke that infects humans.
Pest Classification
Chinese mitten crab is an “Exclusion” animal
throughout the Southland region.
Objectives
1. To prevent the Chinese mitten crab establishing
in the Southland region during the life of the
Strategy.
2. To raise community awareness of the cultural,
biodiversity and economic impacts of Chinese
mitten crab.
Regional Pest Management Strategy
Rules
1. No person shall possess, sell, offer for sale,
propagate, transport or release any Chinese
mitten crab into or within the Southland region.
2. The person in charge of any vehicle used to
transport persons or equipment is responsible
for ensuring no live Chinese mitten crab are
present on or within the vehicle prior to arrival in
the Southland region.
3. Every person who sees any Chinese mitten
crab, or suspects that any Chinese mitten crab
is present in Southland, must immediately report
the sighting or possible presence to Environment
Southland.
A breach of these rules without reasonable excuse is
an offence under Section 154(r) of the Act.