The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reporting the seizure of a record-setting number of illegal crayfish.
More than 2,000 lbs of live red swamp crayfish were confiscated from a commercial hauler at the Blue Water Bridge on Friday, July 13.
The vehicle had been denied entry into Canada and was turned back into Michigan. DNR officials later seized 55 bags of the invasive species.
It's the largest aquatic invasive species seizure by the Michigan DNR.
After interviewing the driver, officers learned the truck originated from Canada and made stops in Maryland and Arkansas to pick up cargo prior to attempting its return to Canada.
Illegal crayfish seized at Blue Water Bridge - July 24/18 (Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
It's alleged the driver did not have appropriate records, other than a few purchase receipts. The DNR Law Enforcement Division’s Great Lakes Enforcement Unit is conducting a further investigation, and says it's currently unknown if any stops or sales were made in Michigan.
DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler says the seizure is a great example of what can be achieved by working together.
“Our officers have great working relationships with professional law enforcement partners across the U.S. and Canada.
This is a fine example of how important those relationships are in protecting Michigan’s natural resources.”
Red swamp crayfish are prohibited in both Michigan and Canada. They burrow and create shoreline erosion, creating instability.
Additionally, they compete with native crayfish, reducing the amount of food and habitat available for amphibians, invertebrates and juvenile fish.
The first concern regarding red swamp crayfish in Michigan was in 2013, when conservation officers learned the illegal crayfish was being used as bait in southwest Michigan. The first live infestations in Michigan were detected and reported in 2017. Confirmed infestations include locations in southeast Michigan.
