A review of American lobster (Homarus americanus) records around the British Isles: 2012 to 2018

摘要

Although native to eastern Canada and the USA, American lobsters (Homarus americanus) have been reported from British coastal waters in recent years. The introduction of most have been as escapees from holding facilities or releases by members of the public for animal welfare or religious reasons. Life-history traits ofH. americanusput them at a potential competitive advantage over and hybridisation with the European lobster (Homarus gammarus), the 5th most valuable seafood to the UK. While yearly reported numbers ofH. americanusfound in British waters have been low, a mass release of 361H. americanusinto the English Channel off Brighton, southern England, took place in June 2015. This review identified 162 records ofH. americanusin British waters between 2012 and 2018, with specimens caught mainly in or around Brighton, although additionalH. americanusreleased may have gone undetected. While this evidence suggests a growing potential for establishment of the species, further information is provided evidencing hybridisation between releasedH. americanusand nativeH. gammarusvia genetic analysis. This review highlights the need for a more robust means of detectingH. americanusand other non-native species in British waters.