07/24/2026
Last Sunday, several families joined in the Hook, Line & Crab Challenge. In just under 2 hours, over 100 invasive European Green Crabs and approximately 5 invasive Asian Shore Crabs were caught compared to one Blue Crab and one Spider crab (native crabs which were released). Approximately 40 of those were female. If they had an opportunity to reproduce, over 7 million crabs would hatch. If only 10% survived into adulthood, that is still 700,000 new invasive crabs! If this doesn't concern you, it should. Invasive crabs can decimate the local shellfish population. Over the weekend, a bucket will be placed by the fish table to collect any invasive crabs you catch. It will be cleared frequently. Unless anyone is interested in making a sauce, a broth, or a bisque with the crabs, they will be composted. Reach out if you have any questions or would like to help. The photo below shows the underside of a European Green crab. The crab to the left is male (narrow triangle apron), the crab to the right is female (wider triangle apron). Second photo -Female crab with a clutch from this spring. Thank you! First Photo courtesy of E. Waddington.
