Recorded captures of American lobster (Homarus americanus) in Swedish waters and an observation of predation on the European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

Abstract

The intentional or unintentional release of American lobsters (Homarus americanus), imported through the European seafood trade, has resulted in findings of H. americanus in European waters. A total of 36 specimens was recorded within a smaller area, halfway along the Swedish west coast, between 2008 and 2016. The lobsters were caught by both recreational and professional fishermen and delivered to the Institute of Marine Research in Lysekil, where species identification, measurements, and genetic sampling were performed. Twenty-five of these lobsters were caught inside the sill of the Gullmar Fjord, most of them close to Lysekil harbor, where escapes from an illegal holding is suspected. Six females had eggs, which in two cases were hybrids. While there is no evidence to suggest that a population has been established in the Gullmar Fjord or elsewhere in Swedish waters, serious concerns must be raised regarding the possible consequences for the native species. An American lobster has for the first time been filmed eating a killed European lobster (Homarus gammarus) in Swedish waters.

Published in

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
2017, Volume: 74, number: 10, pages: 1503-1506
Publisher: CANADIAN SCIENCE PUBLISHING, NRC RESEARCH PRESS

SLU Authors

• Öresland, Vidar

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Ulmestrand, Mats

  • Department of Aquatic Resources (SLU Aqua), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Fish and Aquacultural Science
Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2016-0532

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/92931