Budget: $28,041

Project Description: The removal of the invasive European Green crab (Carcinus maenas) from the Basin Head Marine Protected Area will help protect the Blue mussel and the eelgrass populations from being predated on by this voracious predator. This in turn will help restore the Irish moss population that depends on the Blue mussels for anchorage. To do this, fukui traps will be deployed, baited with herring, and fished for an eight-day period during the months of July-October. The crabs within the traps will be counted, sexed, and measured, and any by-catch will be recorded, identified by species, and released back on site. The Green crabs will then be taken and used as compost waste at a local organic farm.