DoomsdaysCWInvasive #GreenCrabs: Implications & How to Utilize Them
by Mary Parks, June 15, 2023
"Green crabs were first spotted in Casco Bay in the early 1900s after moving northward from Massachusetts waters where they were introduced a century before. In recent years, green crabs have become Maine’s most common crab species, wreaking havoc on some of the state’s most valuable fisheries and vulnerable ecosystems. Cold winters that historically kept green crab populations in check are no longer common and as #ClimateChange continues to warm the #GulfOfMaine, green crab populations could increase. This invasive species has singlehandedly destroyed the soft-shell clam fishery (a single green crab can eat up to 40 clams in a day), compete with local crabs and lobster for food, and destroy important eelgrass habitats.
"Many have launched diversified efforts to monitor green crabs, control their populations, prevent predation of clams, and spread awareness of their invasive impact.
"Wolfe’s Neck Center has been utilizing green crabs as #compost for years, collecting them from coastal waters to utilize as a nutrient source and educating visitors on the impact of green crabs. Last year alone, Wolfe’s Neck Center’s farm team composted 12,000 pounds (about twice the weight of an elephant) of green crabs.
"In this post, we will go over a basic recipe for cooking with green crabs and tips for using the remaining shells as compost in your garden, so you can be part of the solution at home!"
Learn more:
https://www.wolfesneck.org/green-crabs-an-invasive-species/
#SolarPunkSunday #Composting #GreenCrabRecipes #invasivespecies #ClimateChangeAdaptation #WolfesNeck #Maine
Invasive Green Crabs: Implications & How to Utilize Them - Wolfe's Neck
This blog post was written by Mary Parks, Founder & Director of GREENCRAB.org. ~~~ Green crabs were first spotted in Casco Bay in the early 1900s after moving northward from Massachusetts waters where they were introduced a century before. In recent years, green crabs have become Maine’s most common crab species, wreaking havoc on some … Continued