Event Title
Mitigating the Effects of Green Crabs (Carcinus maenus) through Incentives in the Lobster Aquaculture Industry
Location
Diamond 145
Start Date
30-4-2015 9:00 AM
End Date
30-4-2015 11:55 AM
Project Type
Presentation
Description
To work towards the mitigation, control, and eventual eradication of green crabs in the Gulf of Maine, we propose using the invasive species as a bait for the local lobster fishery. By using green crab as bait, we can simultaneously help eradicate this destructive invasive species, reduce pressure on local bait fisheries, and provide a cheaper source of bait for Maine lobstermen. Scientists in Nova Scotia have successfully experimented with using green crab as bait and showed that by using a special trap, they could catch approximately 2,000 green crabs/trap/night and sell the bait at a profit. As herring populations continue to decline due to overfishing, green crabs have emerged as a potentially more sustainable and economical alternative. We will also investigate the possible policy implications of a transition from herring to green crab baits and what gear changes, if any, would be necessary for such an endeavor.
Faculty Sponsor
Russ Cole
Sponsoring Department
Colby College. Environmental Studies Program
CLAS Field of Study
Interdisciplinary Studies
Event Website
http://www.colby.edu/clas
ID
1237
Mitigating the Effects of Green Crabs (Carcinus maenus) through Incentives in the Lobster Aquaculture Industry
Diamond 145
To work towards the mitigation, control, and eventual eradication of green crabs in the Gulf of Maine, we propose using the invasive species as a bait for the local lobster fishery. By using green crab as bait, we can simultaneously help eradicate this destructive invasive species, reduce pressure on local bait fisheries, and provide a cheaper source of bait for Maine lobstermen. Scientists in Nova Scotia have successfully experimented with using green crab as bait and showed that by using a special trap, they could catch approximately 2,000 green crabs/trap/night and sell the bait at a profit. As herring populations continue to decline due to overfishing, green crabs have emerged as a potentially more sustainable and economical alternative. We will also investigate the possible policy implications of a transition from herring to green crab baits and what gear changes, if any, would be necessary for such an endeavor.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2015/program/72