The Invasive Blue Crab: Implications for Fisheries, Aquaculture and One Health Perspective

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Aquatic Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 December 2025 | Viewed by 569

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Italy
Interests: aquaculture; fish biology; aquatic organisms pathology; antibiotic resistance; conservation of biodiversity in aquatic environments; alien invasive species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Italy
Interests: genetics and genomics; genetic resistance to animal diseases; fish diseases; antibiotic resistance; molecular characterization of bacteria; invasive alien species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
The Veterinary Medical Research Institute for Piemonte, Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, 10154 Torino, Italy
Interests: aquaculture; fish biology; aquatic organism pathology; ecotoxicology; conservation of biodiversity in aquatic environments; antibiotic resistance; trace elements; emerging contaminants; microplastics; invasive alien species
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The invasive blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, presents significant challenges and opportunities in various fields. This Special Issue seeks to gather extensive research on the diverse impacts of this species. Major areas of interest include the effects on fisheries and aquaculture, where the blue crab’s predatory and competitive behaviors disrupt local ecosystems and economic activities. Additionally, we aim to explore the environmental impacts on biodiversity, habitat structures, and ecosystem services. Understanding the disease dynamics and potential threats posed to native species by the blue crab through pathological studies is another key focus. Genetic research will provide insights into the species’ adaptive mechanisms and spread, while studies on contaminants, especially emerging pollutants, will shed light on bioaccumulation risks in invaded areas. This Special Issue aspires to offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of the blue crab, guiding management strategies to mitigate its negative effects and exploit potential benefits through a One Health approach.

We invite original contributions that focus on the following topics:

  • Effects on fisheries and aquaculture;
  • Environmental impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems;
  • Pathological studies and disease dynamics;
  • Genetic insights into adaptation and spread;
  • Contaminants and bioaccumulation risks;
  • Integrated management strategies for mitigation and benefits.

This Special Issue aims to deepen our knowledge of the blue crab’s impact and inform effective management practices.

Dr. Giuseppe Esposito
Dr. Silvia Colussi
Dr. Paolo Pastorino
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Callinectes sapidus
  • animal health
  • invasive alien species
  • biodiversity
  • habitat structures
  • ecosystem services
  • animal genetics
  • environmental pollution

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 4093 KiB  
Article
Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) Haemolymph as a Potential Reservoir of Mesophilic Shewanella Species
by Giuseppe Esposito, Fabio Bondavalli, Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola, Paolo Pastorino, Sonia Scala, Martina Gini, Giulia Milanese, Edoardo Turolla, Alessandra Maganza, Simona Sciuto, Domenico Meloni, Rita Melillo, Pierluigi Acutis, Elena Bozzetta, Sebastiano Virgilio, Caterina Faggio, Silvia Colussi and Marino Prearo
Animals 2025, 15(12), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15121731 - 11 Jun 2025
Abstract
The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an invasive alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, posing threats to biodiversity, fisheries, and aquaculture. Climate change has worsened these challenges, influencing the distribution of bacterial species, including Shewanella species, which are sensitive to changes [...] Read more.
The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an invasive alien species in the Mediterranean Sea, posing threats to biodiversity, fisheries, and aquaculture. Climate change has worsened these challenges, influencing the distribution of bacterial species, including Shewanella species, which are sensitive to changes in temperature and salinity. In this study, 300 blue crabs were sampled between June and October 2024 from the Sacca di Goro (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) to investigate the prevalence of Shewanella species in their haemolymph. The prevalence was found to be 7% (21/300), with species such as S. mesophila, S. algae, S. cowelliana, and S. baltica identified, particularly in the months of September and October. Molecular techniques, including MALDI-TOF MS and rpoB gene amplification, were used to identify isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) revealed a trend of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. A network analysis was also conducted to examine the global trends of Shewanella research in relation to humans, animals, and the marine environment. While proper cooking eliminates the risk to consumers, handling without personal protective equipment can increase exposure, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as those who are elderly or immunocompromised. Mild symptoms are observed in children. Further studies, particularly with a One Health approach, are crucial to better understand the transmission dynamics and evolving antibiotic resistance of Shewanella species. Full article
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