First Record of the Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in the St. Lawrence River, Canada

In September 2004, one live and healthy female specimen of the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) was captured in a fishing trap on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, opposite Quebec City. This is the first report of this non-indigenous and invasive species in the St. Lawrence River or any river on the Eastern Seaboard of North America. As opposed to the Laurentian Great Lakes, where this catadromous species has previously been reported but never became established, the proximity of estuarine salt waters downstream of Quebec City might provide suitable habitats and favorable environmental conditions for the reproduction and establishment of populations in the lower St. Lawrence River.