If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Eat ‘Em! Invasive Green Crabs Are Coming to a Menu Near You

Summary:  

Two centuries ago, European Green Crabs arrived in New England’s coastal waters and quickly became one of the world’s most notorious marine invaders — outcompeting native species, devouring shellfish, and threatening local fisheries. In this episode of Time and Tide, we explore how scientists, fishers, chefs, and local volunteers are countering this invasive species by turning an ecological problem into an unexpected and delicious resource. 

Show notes:   

Two centuries ago, a tiny stowaway arrived in New England’s coastal waters: the European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas). Since the early 1800s, this unassuming invader has spread from the Mid-Atlantic to Canada’s Prince Edward Island, causing significant ecological damage and economic headaches along the way. 

In this episode of Time and Tide, we dive into how green crabs became one of the world’s most notorious marine invaders — outcompeting native species, devouring shellfish, clipping seagrasses, and threatening local fisheries. But what if we could counter this invasive species by putting them on our plates — and even in our glasses? 

Join host Brian Yurasits and co-host Erik Chapman as they explore how scientists, fishers, chefs, and local volunteers are turning this problem into an unexpected and delicious resource.  

In Act 1, Dr. Gabriela Bradt, fisheries specialist with NH Sea Grant and UNH Extension and leader of the NH Green Crab Project, crabwalks us through the green crab takeover of U.S. coastlines, and why soft-shell green crabs could be New England’s next sustainable food craze if the idea catches on.  

In Act 2, Mary Parks, Founder and Executive Director of GreenCrab.org, explains how this crustacean menace is finding its way onto restaurant menus — through the creativity of chefs and harvesters working to open new markets.  

Tune in to learn how we might just be able to eat (and drink) our way to a healthier ocean. 

Guest Speakers:  

Dr. Gabriela Bradt, Fisheries Extension Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant & UNH Extension 

Mary Parks, Founder and Executive Director, GreenCrab.org 

Hosted by: Brian Yurasits, Science Communication Specialist, New Hampshire Sea Grant. 

Co-Hosted by: Erik Chapman, Director, New Hampshire Sea Grant 

Produced by: Brian Yurasits 

Further reading: 

NH Green Crab Project 

GreenCrab.Org 

New Hampshire Sea Grant works to enhance our relationship with the coastal environment to sustain healthy and resilient ecosystems, economies, and communities through integrated research, extension, education, and communications efforts. Based at the University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Sea Grant is one of 34 programs in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program, a state-federal partnership serving America’s coasts. Learn more by visiting: seagrant.unh.edu 

University of New Hampshire is an equal opportunity employer, learn more: https://extension.unh.edu/civil-rights-statement