Invasive green crabs are bad for the environment so New Englanders are starting to eat more of them
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New England harvesters are commercializing invasive European green crabs to combat ecological damage and boost regional fisheries. Originating from ship ballast waters hundreds of years ago, the crabs now number in the tens of millions along the East Coast, outcompeting native species, destroying eelgrass beds, and ravaging shellfish industries. In Maine, soft-shell clam landings dropped dramatically from over 7.8 million pounds in 1978 to 1.3 million pounds in 2025 due to green crab predation. To mitigate these impacts, former marine teacher Mike Masi and other entrepreneurs target crabs about to molt. These soft-shell specimens fetch higher market prices, up to $3 each compared to 8 cents for hard shells. Beyond restaurants, processors utilize the crabs for pet treats, fish sauce, and specialty spirits. This growing commercial push transforms an environmental threat into a viable economic commodity, offering partial relief to local harvesters facing severe ecological disruptions.
More context
Timeline
- 1978 — On 1978, Maine softshell clam landings peaked at over seven million pounds.
- 2025 — On 2025, Maine softshell clam landings declined to 1.3 million pounds.
- On June 16, 2026, harvesters collected invasive crabs along Maine tidal rivers.
- On August 26, 2026, reports highlighted new culinary markets for green crabs.
- In coming months, restaurants will expand softshell green crab menu offerings.
- In coming years, pet food companies will launch new green crab treats.
- In coming years, state agencies will monitor local shellfish population recovery rates.
- In coming years, harvesters will increase soft-shell green crab collection efforts.
- In coming years, distillers will release additional batches of green crab whiskey.
- In coming years, researchers will evaluate overall invasive green crab population reductions.
Why it matters
Immediate US impact: New England seafood markets experience increased interest in invasive species. Possible long-term US impact: Commercial harvesting of green crabs will gradually reduce regional ecological damage. Most affected groups: Shellfish farmers, restaurants, and marine ecologists across New England. Reader priority: Monitor local seafood distributors and environmental conservation agency updates carefully.
Coverage notes
Left: Emphasizes broader environmental collapse and climate impacts on coastal marine life. Center: Focuses on balanced reporting of economic damages and commercial harvesting solutions. Right: Highlights private market innovation and entrepreneurial responses to ecological challenges.
Primary report
Associated Press published report on green crab commercialization in Maine.
Sources
- Boston Globe
- CNN
- Washington Post
- New York Times
- The Guardian
- LA Times
- Associated Press
- Maine Public
- Portland Press Herald
- New Hampshire Public Radio
- National Public Radio
- Wall Street Journal
- Reuters
- USA Today
- Bloomberg
- Yahoo News
- CBS News
- NBC News
- ABC News
- Smithsonian Magazine
- National Geographic
- Scientific American
- BBC News
- Politico
- Christian Science Monitor
- Business Insider
- Newsweek
- Time
- Forbes
- Fox News
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
