Scientists: Lobster Crossbreeding Poses Threat to European Species

PORTLAND, Maine - European biologists say American lobsters have become an invasive species and are crossbreeding with European lobsters, producing offspring that may or may not be able to reproduce.
 
Scandinavian scientists Susanne Eriksson and Ann-Lisbeth Agnalt presented their findings at a lobster biology conference in Portland on Tuesday. The Portland Press Herald reports that the biologists disputed scientists' assertion that American lobsters couldn't survive in European waters.
 
Eriksson says American lobsters are competing with smaller European lobsters for food, shelter and mates.  
 
The conference's co-chair, University of Maine professor Rick Wahle, says the presentation didn't surprise him. Still, he says more research is needed on how the hybrid species matures.
 
Sweden asked the European Union to list American lobsters as an invasive species last year after scientists found crossbreeding evidence.