For General Information.
Rapana venosa, native to the Sea of Japan, introduced into the Black Sea in the 1940's and subsequently into the Aegean and Adriatic Seas and reported (unconfirmed)from the United Kingdom has been found in the lower Chesapeake Bay as well as in the James and York rivers in Virginia.  The first specimens dredged by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science sometime around the 1st of July in a routine monitoring of juvenile fish and crabs are fully adult specimens.  Egg capsules have been collected and continue to hatch in tanks at VIMS.  VIMS is in the process of collecting information from commercial fisherman.
It is believed that this species has been in the area for at least 7-10 years judging by the age of the live animals being recovered and reports from fishermen who didn't know what they were.  The specimens collected by VIMS were brought to the Smithsonian for identification.  Rapana venosa feed on oyster and clam beds.  For additional information check the VIMS website at http://www.vims.edu
For those of you living in the area of the upper and middle Chesapeake Bay be on the lookout for these animals.  If you find any please note the exact location and call either me at 202-786-2074 or Dr. Roger Mann at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.