Green and Jonah crab project
Project Background
The goal of the Green and Jonah crab project is to collect baseline data on the distribution and abundance of green crab and Jonah crab in the Northwest Fundy shore. This ecological data does not currently exist, as both green crab and Jonah crab are species who haven't really been studied in the past on the Northwest Fundy Shore. This project occurs from 2023 to 2027.
Green Crab
Due to the significant impacts of invasive Green crabs on native species (such as soft shell clams, dulse, eel grass), we will be conducting research to find the data on abundance and distribution to gain information as to what extent green crab is causing ecosystem impact. This has long been a desire for harvesters and community members in the Northwest Fundy Shore, who perceive Green crab to be damaging habitats (e.g., eel grass), commercially important species (e.g., soft shell clams and dulse) and competing with and killing other crustaceans (e.g., juvenile lobster). While Green crab have been in the area for decades, observers have noted increased numbers and impacts in recent years.
Jonah Crab
Traditionally Jonah crab was not considered very abundant in the area. In fact in the late 1970s, crab harvesters were told to choose between Jonah crab or Rock crab for the commercial crab fishery. At that time, Rock crab was by far the dominant crab species in the area. Therefore all crab licences in the region today (LFA 36) are designated rock crab licences. However in recent years, rock crab and lobster harvesters report that Jonah crab bycatch has surpassed even directed landings for lobster and rock crab in certain areas. With this in mind, gathering data on current abundance and distribution is extremely relevant in view of the ecosystem change in our region. This will also establish a baseline dataset of Jonah crab. ​
