The European green crab is small but mighty—and not in a good way. As waters have warmed, this invasive species has wreaked havoc on east coast ecosystems from New England to Canada, threatening native shellfish, eelgrass beds, and the livelihoods of fishers. But what if this ecological disruptor could become an economic opportunity?
Join Marissa McMahan, Manomet’s Senior Director of Fisheries, and Gabriela Bradt of New Hampshire Sea Grant, for a bite-sized science session on how Manomet, NH Sea Grant, and partners are tracking, studying, and rethinking green crabs. Since 2018, Manomet has led one of the most consistent green crab monitoring efforts along the Maine coast, gathering data with help from researchers, students, and community scientists. This research is already informing ecological management, outreach, and—most excitingly—innovative fishery development. Similarly, NH Sea Grant developed a participatory science program, The Great Green Crab Hunt, that took a different approach to monitoring green crabs in NH with a focus on identifying hot spots and timing for molting crabs that could help inform a soft-shell fishery while at the same time providing an excellent outreach and awareness vehicle for everyone! This long-running program has contributed significantly to how the Northeast is approaching green crab mitigation through science, innovation, and public engagement to tame and utilize a resource rather than seeking to eradicate a well-established invader.
In this webinar, Marissa and Gabby will share the science behind green crab monitoring and how coastal communities are flipping the script on this invasive species. From soft-shell green crab delicacies to fermented sauces for chefs, discover how this crustacean villain may just become a sustainable seafood hero.
Green Crab Photo by P. McAleenan