The coffee prawn, an invasive species from the Gulf of Mexico, is rapidly increasing its presence in the Ebro river, challenging local fisheries and ecosystems.
The coffee prawn, known scientifically as Penaeus aztecus, has become a concerning invasive species in the Ebro River, first noted in the Mediterranean in 2009. Since its initial detection in Turkey, the prawn has steadily moved westward, and its presence has now been confirmed along the Catalan coast and specifically in Vinaròs.
Local fishermen, as represented by Jaime Federico of the Fishermen's Brotherhood, have witnessed a dramatic increase in their catch of coffee prawns. What once appeared as a rare find—one or two prawns per boat—has surged to quantities as high as 40 kilograms daily on some vessels. This growth indicates not only a rising population but also a significant shift in the local marine ecosystem, which could have lasting implications for traditional fishing practices and local biodiversity.
The spread of the coffee prawn underscores broader concerns about invasive species in marine environments, which can threaten indigenous species and alter food webs. As this situation unfolds, it raises questions about how to manage and possibly contain the coffee prawn's impact on the ecosystem and fishing industries, while also considering economic implications for local communities that rely on stable fish populations for their livelihoods.
