The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Native to Southeast Asia, the Chinese mitten or hairy crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is thought to have arrived in Europe in ballast water. It ranks as among the 'world's worst' invaders. First recorded in the Aller River in Germany in 1912, the crab is now abundant in European estuaries adjacent to the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The invasion has damaged biodiversity, with loss to commercial fisheries and pond-aquaculture, and caused erosion to river embankments through burrowing. A positive effect, however, is the crab's market value – they are considered a delicacy.