Samoan crabs introduced to isles in hopes of industry

By Susan Scott

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Oct 01, 2012

~~<p>I love the idea of eating aliens, but a Sept. 19 article in this paper about Samoan crabs ("Invite the invaders to dinner") left me with questions. What, I wondered, are crabs from Samoa doing in Hawaii?</p>
<p>Thriving, for starters. The introduced Samoan crab (Scylla serrata) has done so well here that the state regulates the fishery. You can't spear male Samoan crabs or keep one with a shell under 6 inches across. And forget females. The state prohibits taking or harming females of any size. To sell Samoan crabs in Hawaii, a fisher must have a license.</p>
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I love the idea of eating aliens, but a Sept. 19 article in this paper about Samoan crabs ("Invite the invaders to dinner") left me with questions. What, I wondered, are crabs from Samoa doing in Hawaii?

Thriving, for starters. The introduced Samoan crab (Scylla serrata) has done so well here that the state regulates the fishery. You can't spear male Samoan crabs or keep one with a shell under 6 inches across. And forget females. The state prohibits taking or harming females of any size. To sell Samoan crabs in Hawaii, a fisher must have a license. Login for more...