Green Crab Program

The European green crab first arrived in New England in the 1800s in the dry ballast of cargo ships and has since invaded the east and west coasts of North America as well as other parts of the world. The prolific expansion of the green crab is largely attributed to its ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, high fecundity, and omnivorous diet.

In 2014, an explosion of the green crab population in Great Marsh, MA was reported along with declines in soft-shell clam landings. The increased abundance of green crabs was believed to be due to an increase in ocean temperatures. From 2015 to 2018, our group received funding to collect baseline information on the green crab population in Great Marsh to inform management efforts.  In 2016 our team received additional funding to work with local businesses and develop a sustainable consumer market for green crabs in New England.  Currently, are work focuses on monitoring populations to help inform management initiatives.

Visit Green Crab R&D Project to learn more about initiatives to develop a consumer market for green crabs.