On June 24th, join GreenCrab.org, Manomet Conservation Sciences, NH Sea Grant, and Eating with the Ecosystem for the second Green Crab Working Summit at O’Maine Studios in Portland, Maine!

The Green Crab Working Summit aims to support the growth of green crab markets by:

1. Fostering collaboration and innovation among seafood suppliers, harvesters, chefs, and researchers across the Northeast

2. Identifying knowledge gaps and challenges associated with harvesting, distributing, cooking, processing, and marketing green crabs

3. Strengthening green crab supply chains

4. Showcasing green crab markets, products, and culinary efforts

The Green Crab Working Summit is hosted during Green Crab Week: a week dedicated to eating green crabs in partnership with restaurants across the US. Summit elements include:

1. Panels and Presentations: Featuring harvesters, product innovators, seafood purveyors, and researchers

2. Culinary Demonstrations and Tastings: From acclaimed New England chefs in the O’Maine Studio Kitchen

3. Networking and Knowledge-Sharing Opportunities: Facilitated by industry experts

4. Green Crab Market Showcase & Happy Hour: Featuring green crab bites and cocktails from participating chefs

5. Field Trips (June 25th): Stay tuned for more information on a chef-geared cooking class at the Maine Food & Beverage Education Center (Wiscasset, ME) from 10 AM to noon and a green crab foraging demonstration and crabbing competition at Wolfe's Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment (Freeport, ME) in the afternoon

Key Details:

• Parking is available for all attendees

• Ticket price includes tastings and Market Showcase cocktails and small bites

• A second, smaller round of tickets will become available after assessing scholarships

History of the Green Crab Working Summit:

In 2018, Manomet Conservation Sciences and New Hampshire Sea Grant hosted the first-ever Green Crab Working Summit at O’Maine Studios in Portland, Maine. Chefs, harvesters, seafood suppliers, and scientists from across the Northeast gathered to share knowledge on invasive green crabs, discuss potential markets, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The agenda featured panels, break-out sessions, soft-shell sorting tutorials, and culinary demonstrations from top New England chefs. This working summit kick-started green crab market development, increased public awareness of the invasive species, and fostered collaboration between previously disconnected communities.

Green crab markets have come a long way in 8 years. Several green crab products have entered the marketplace and over 100 restaurants and fish markets have featured the invasive on their menus. Three New England states have passed legislation centered on increasing consumer access to green crabs. Publications from Business Insider to the New York Times Magazine have highlighted emerging markets for the crab alongside the stark realities of its invasive impact and expanding range.

We will have a limited number of scholarships available. Recipients will be selected by summit organizers for scholarships based on financial need, representation in green crab markets, and available resources (determined by sponsorships). Priority may be given to applicants who do not require overnight accommodations. Please fill out this application by April 20th at 5PM for consideration for a scholarship or travel assistance.