OH yeah. Those lil' buggars are doing a number on the dikes & levys in the Sacramento Delta region. They're multiplying like crazy, and hard to eradicate. They're also a delicacy in Chinese food, so there *is* a market for them.

Hiya, folks!

Yeppers, the Chinese do make very efficient use of their food environment. But are you willing to trade their tastes for yours (hint: the menu of American Chinese restaurants is no indication of what they tend to eat at home).

Unfortunately, the green crabs will make a very negative impact on portions of our wildlife -- and I do mean portions that are, to my tastes, much more desirable.

"The European green crab, Carcinus maenas, is a voracious predator that feeds on many types of organisms, particularly bivalve molluscs (e.g., clams, oysters, and mussels), polychaetes, and small crustaceans. Recent information suggests that European green crabs can out compete Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister) for food and habitat. The European green crab is capable of learning and can improve its prey-handling skills while foraging. The European green crab is generally quicker and more dexterous than native crabs of the Pacific Northwest.

The green crab feeds on many organisms, including clams, oysters, mussels, marine worms and small crustaceans. Since it can also prey on juvenile crabs and shellfish, a northward spread to the Washington coast and Puget Sound could put our Dungeness crab, clam and oyster fisheries at risk, and the green crab may compete with native fish and bird species for food. In Bodega Bay, California, a significant reduction in population abundance of clam and native shore crab is already evident since the arrival of the green crab in 1993. In addition, the green crab is an intermediate host to a marine worm that can harm the health of local shore birds. "

And, heck, if the clams and oysters are at risk, then I say "nuke 'em."

Johnny

One thing that should be considered though, is that many of the pac rim countries have a thoroughly abysmal record with regard to any form of ethical restraint on their food choices.

Whaling, destruction of endangered species, and even live dismemberment of creatures a piece at a time as parts are sold off of a still living and suffering creature, such as what they do with turtles, to touch on only a few.

So while certain dishes from the region may be tasty and prepared in an ethical fashion, many are not.

Sushi that use urchin roe are actually beneficial as they help reduce their predation on the kelp beds.