Why Do European Green Crabs
European Green Crabs: Why are they a problem and what can we do about it?
First off, what even are green crabs? Well green crabs are an invasive species originally from Europe but snuck over to Maine in the ballast water (Fresh or salt water, sometimes containing sediments, held in tanks and cargo holds of ships to increase stability and maneuverability during transit). What is and invasive species you may be asking? Well an invasive species is a species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, which is exactly what green crabs did. What was the first thing green crabs did when they came over here? They started eating clams, not a big deal right? Wrong.
Not only are clams essential
to Maine’s ecosystem, they are also one of Maine’s main income sources. They play a big part in making the fishery business run.
So what can we do about it?
Well unfortunately there isn’t much that we can do. The one thing that people have found that might work was eating them.
First off, what even are green crabs? Well green crabs are an invasive species originally from Europe but snuck over to Maine in the ballast water (Fresh or salt water, sometimes containing sediments, held in tanks and cargo holds of ships to increase stability and maneuverability during transit). What is and invasive species you may be asking? Well an invasive species is a species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, which is exactly what green crabs did. What was the first thing green crabs did when they came over here? They started eating clams, not a big deal right? Wrong.
Not only are clams essential
to Maine’s ecosystem, they are also one of Maine’s main income sources. They play a big part in making the fishery business run.
So what can we do about it?
Well unfortunately there isn’t much that we can do. The one thing that people have found that might work was eating them.