Invasive Crab Species Returns Balance To Cape Cod Salt Marshes

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cardiidae_Carcinus_maenas.JPG

Most of the time a new species are introduced, they cannot survive the local ecology.   But there are instances where they fill a role and are able to reproduce. Most of the time this ends up being a bad thing.  In some cases it can be a good thing.

In this particular situation the native crab species Sesarma Reticulatum population has grown out of control.  They subsist on marsh grass and have thus done great damage to the ecosystem in the area.  The reason this has happened is that the native fish species who prey on them have been overfished and they can no longer control the crab population.  Despite the fact that all native species are present, an imbalance remains which is causing devastating consequences.

Enter Carcinus Maenas.  This green crab species kills or displaced Sasarma from their burrows.  Their food needs are different and they do not feed on the marsh grass.  Since their accidental introduction, the marsh grass is restoring itself to health.

This is another example showing that nature will often find a balance if we allow it.  We can try to eradicate invasive species, but there is often a point at which more harm is being done than good.  It is always prudent to prevent the introduction of invasive non-natives.  But healthy and diverse ecosystems are often able to protect themselves.  Disturbance creates opportunity

Whether or not this new species is truly a good thing remains to be seen.  When the scenario balances out will the native crabs still remain?  Will the marsh grass over grow?  Will the invasive crab switch its diet when the native crab species are suppressed?  This story warrants careful observation in the future.

Invasive Crabs Help Cape Cod Marshes

These are the types of stories we try to bring you.  It helps to understand the kind of damage that mono crops and non-ecological food production methods create.  Modern food production is the single most destructive thing that our civililzation participates in.

Here is a list of a few other stories we have brought you in the past:

Gypsy Moth Problem Beginning To Resolve Itself
Beavers Are Engineers Of Structural Diversity And Biodiversity
More On Beavers And Trophic Cascade