St. George, New Brunswick - The European Green Crab is an aquatic invasive species in Canada that upsets the balance of our marine ecosystems. In Southwest New Brunswick, European Green Crab negatively impacts native species and habitats like eel grass, dulse beds and shellfish, which are culturally, ecologically and economically important to the area. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) collaborates with harvesters, Indigenous communities and other partners to detect, monitor and limit the spread and damage of this aquatic invasive species.
As part of that collaboration, today the Minister of Fisheries, the Honourable Joanne Thompson, announced the launch of a one-year commercial fishery pilot in Southwest New Brunswick to support the control of invasive European Green Crab. The fishery is anticipated to open in Spring 2026.
This commercial fishery pilot for European Green Crab will mitigate the negative impacts the species has on native ecosystems and shellfish fisheries, and will have clear licence conditions to minimize the risk of spread. The fishery will also provide economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and local harvesters. Harvested European Green Crab may have a variety of uses, including as bait in the lobster fishery.
Prevention is the most efficient and cost-effective way of managing aquatic invasive species. The potential costs and benefits of alternative management measures are carefully assessed and only considered for established populations of invasive species where eradication is no longer possible. In line with this approach, the commercial fishery pilot for European Green Crab reflects a balanced consideration of ecological, social and economic factors. In this case, the harvesting of this established species can provide economic opportunities through commercial fisheries, use as bait, incorporation into bioplastics, and soil enrichment products.
