Effects of the non-native red king crab on Chlamys islandica beds, Postdr.stipend/Utenlandsstipend - Lis Lindal Jørgensen

Project summary: The non-native king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus, has invaded fjords in northern Norway Local divers report reducing or eradicated scallop (Chlamys islandica) beds in Varanger fjord due to predation by the king crab. The king crab pred ates on many of the main invertebrate classes, and is expected to have marked influence in shaping faunal associations. These influences have yet been poorly documented, and not investigated for rocky bottom faunal associations such as Chlamys beds. A lo ng-term monitoring program will be developed including a putative king crab invaded scallop bed (Porsanger) and control localities (Kvænangen and Balsfjord) based on the Before-After. Control-Impact (BACI) method. Ecological laboratory experiments will be carried out with varying prey size, prey species and temperature, and combinations of these.