Elminius modestus : Another Imported Pest of East Coast Oyster Beds

Abstract

THE barnacle Elminius modestus Darwin was known only from the southern hemisphere until, less than a year ago, Bishop reported its presence at Chichester and probably at Harwich¹. Further details of its present known distribution are given by Crisp and Chipperfield². It is now abundant in the estuaries of the Crouch, Roach and Blackwater, and at Whitstable. The multiplication of the American pests, Crepidula fornicata³ and Urosalpinx cinerea⁴, had already affected these famous oyster-producing grounds, before the greater part of the stocks there were wiped out in the severe winter a year ago. The presence of Elminius in very great numbers will tend to retard recovery.