State marine officials soon will conduct a one-day, coastwide survey of European green crab populations.
Academics, shellfish diggers, wardens and state Department of Marine Resources officials will gather at noon today in Winslow Park to announce the survey.
To conduct the survey, volunteer participants will set and haul baited traps in areas of the coast with an abundance of softshell clams, the third most lucrative commercial fishery in Maine behind lobster and elvers.
The traps are designed to provide a “snapshot” of the locations and relative abundance of green crab populations statewide.
DMR will use the information gathered to raise awareness of the problem and to assist municipalities with a plan for crab control.
Today’s speakers will include Kohl Kanwit, director of DMR’s Bureau of Public Health; University of Maine- Machias marine ecology professor Dr. Brian Beal; Chad Coffin, president of Maine Clammers Association; Brunswick Shellfish Warden Dan Devereaux; and DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher.
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