VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (2022). Ensis leei. Niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en omliggende estuaria = Non-indigenous species from the Belgian part of the North Sea and estuaria. VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (VLIZ): Oostende. Diff. pag. pp.
Part of: Niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en omliggende estuaria = Non-indigenous species from the Belgian part of the North Sea and estuaria. VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (VLIZ): Ostend. ISSN 2983-5518
Related to:
VLIZ Alien Species Consortium (2020). Ensis leei - Amerikaanse zwaardschede, in: Verleye, T. et al.Niet-inheemse soorten in het Belgisch deel van de Noordzee en aanpalende estuaria. VLIZ Special Publication, 86: pp. 499-506, more
The Atlantic jackknife clam Ensis leei originates along the east coast of America but got transported to Europe in the ballast water (as larvae) of cargo ships. In 1987, the first shells of this species were found on the beach of Oostduinkerke. Soon, the entire coastline was populated. The Atlantic jackknife clam is a strong opportunist. The presence of the species has pros and cons. On the one hand, this clam can be fished and consumed (also by native birds and fishes). On the other hand, they damage fishing nets and might adversely affect biodiversity.
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