Crab Monitoring Surveys
Old Crabs, New Crabs: Green Crabs, Blue Crabs
The European green crab has become a major threat to the local ecosystems as it continues to invade coastal areas, damaging oyster and clam populations and harming eelgrass habitat. Rising green crab numbers, linked to increasing ocean temperatures, worsen ecological and economic challenges, especially in regions like the Gulf of Maine where the ocean is warming is faster than average.
To help, citizen scientists, students, fishermen and institutions are collaborating by monitoring green crab populations along the East Coast. Captain Joe Jerome from North East Salt Water joined this effort in 2022 by collecting data during EcoTours and aquaculture field trips to track crab numbers, size, and gender in our area.
The data is shared with leading marine institutions throughout New England to help them make informed decisions on how we can mitigate this threat. Through teamwork and using data, these institutions aim to protect marine life and reduce the harm caused by invasive species on our environment and economy.
If you would like to volunteer by setting up your own green crab monitoring survey, read through our guide on how you can get involved.
Blue Crabs in Maine?
The Gulf of Maine’s warming waters are creating favorable conditions for blue crabs to expand their territory further north, and local fishermen have reported increasing numbers of encounters in the recent years.
If you discover a blue crab, please report your sighting, including the date and location, photos, and information on the crab's sex and size.
