VietNamNews, 14 September 2010
Imported red swamp crayfish that could harm the native aquatic crayfish have escaped from their cages in southern Hau Giang Province. Red swamp crayfish, a native of southeast United States, are aggressive, omnivorous and adaptable. They have large claws capable of digging holes that may damage irrigation systems.
The provincial Department of Aquaculture head, Ngo Quoc Phuc, said the department would co-operate with local authorities to exterminate the creature next week.
The red swamp crayfish, totalling about 50kg, had been illegally kept for two months by farmer Le Van Men, in Truong Long Tay Commune. Men said he had not tightened the cages so the crayfish had crawled away.
Agriculture and Rural Development Department investigators said the owner of the red swamp crayfish was Bui Quoc Hai, head of Crawfish JS Company in HCM City.
Agriculture and Rural Development Department head Nguyen Van Dong said it was illegal to import red swamp crayfish, except for research, and violators would be punished.
Source: VietNamNews
