NYS DEC Seize ‘Highly Invasive’ Chinese Mitten Crab From Businesses in New York

Chinese mitten crabs are aquatic invaders, that get their name from their furry claws which resemble mittens. 

According to the US Fish & Wildlife Service, “Mitten crabs are considered a culinary delicacy in Asia and are smuggled into the U.S. in mass quantities in preparation for Chinese New Year and other cultural events.”

In 1989, the Service listed all mitten crabs of the genus Eriocheir, as well as their viable eggs, as injurious under the Lacey Act. Under the Lacey Act, it is illegal to import, export, sell, acquire or purchase live mitten crabs and other injurious wildlife without a permit. Violations are punishable by up to six months in prison and fines are as high as $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations.

Chinese Mitten Crabs & Asian Date Mussels Seized in Kings County, NY

On Sept. 28, while on patrol in Brooklyn, ECO Currey observed several businesses offering Chinese mitten crabs and Asian date mussels, highly invasive species, for sale on the street. Officer Currey seized a total of 180 of the crabs and 100 prepackaged bags of mussels and issued multiple administrative Notices of Violation for illegal commercialization of wildlife and two criminal tickets for the sale of shellfish from non-Food and Drug Administration-approved countries. All invasive species were seized and destroyed to prevent the potential spread of these invasive pests in New York waterways.

Last Updated on November 27, 2022 by Fish HV Contributors