PEI Fisheries and Tourism Minister Kevin J. MacAdam released a report today which reviews the status of the green crab in Prince Edward Island waters. "The arrival of green crab in local waters has concerned shellfish fishers and aquaculturists, and I want to ensure the industry has the best information available on this nuisance species," he stated.
The green crab, which is reminiscent of a small rock crab, is native to Europe, however, it has been spreading along the eastern seaboard of North America in the last century. Where it has become abundant in these other areas, it has been implicated in significant declines in clam and mussel resources. It appeared in the southeastern Gulf of St. Lawrence in the mid-1990s.
"While it should pose no concern to swimmers or beach walkers," outlined the Minister, "we do feel that this aggressive predator of juvenile shellfish may become a nuisance to those involved in shellfish culture operations and it could damage wild clam resources available for recreational and commercial harvests." He continued, "We do not yet know how well the green crab will become established in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, however, we feel that government and the shellfish culture industries should begin to consider what changes will be required to adapt to their presence. In addition, while eradication of the species does not seem to be feasible, there may be measures to protect important sites such as leases and shellfish seed production areas which should be tested."
"I would encourage those who stand to be affected by this new species to consider the information contained in the report and to contribute their ideas for remedial actions through their industry organizations" the Minister concluded.
The full report, and an information pamphlet based on the report, are available from the Department of Fisheries and Tourism.