During this past late Summer and early Fall, IBEC had the opportunity to conduct invasive species Green Crab research in various parts of Notre Dame Bay. This work, conducted through the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), allowed us to utilize local knowledge and scientific data to determine the extent of Green Crab movement within the bay.
Green Crab are considered to be one of the most invasive species in the marine environment, and is not native to Newfoundland waters. It has few predators, aggressively hunts and eats its prey, destroys eelgrass, and outcompetes local species for food and habitat.
Through the use of multiple traps in over 40 different locations, we were able to trap seven Green Crab. The locations of capture were identified, allowing DFO scientist to track the movement of Green Crab from previously identified areas and provides official data to the extent of their numbers in the bay.
We thank DFO officials for allowing us to conduct this work on their behalf, while showing that IBEC can once again conduct new research that it has never done before!
Work funded by the Department of Fisheries & Oceans
Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation (IBEC) 