RICHMOND — Friends of Merrymeeting Bay’s fifth presentation of its 28th annual Winter Speaker Series, “Adapting to Green Crabs in Coastal Maine,” will feature Marissa McMahan, senior director of fisheries at Manomet.

Marissa McMahan, senior director of fisheries at Manomet. Submitted photo

Winter Speaker Series presentations are held via Zoom and accessible via hyperlink at the top of fomb.org. This event is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12.

European green crabs are a harmful invasive species that have wreaked havoc on native plant and animal species and habitats worldwide and are thriving in the Gulf of Maine as climate change causes rapid and unprecedented ocean warming. Observations of green crab population dynamics over time and space are essential for predicting and managing the ecological and economic impacts of this species, according to a news release from Ed Friedman with Friends.

Also essential are developing fisheries and markets for green crabs. Doing so provides adaptive diversification strategies for coastal communities affected most by this invasive influx. This talk will provide an overview of green crab monitoring, management, and adaptation efforts led by Manomet and partners since 2017.

McMahan’s research focuses on restoring ecosystem productivity and strengthening and diversifying fisheries resources through diverse stakeholder partnerships, community engagement, and knowledge co-production. She also works to advance adaptive fisheries co-management and elevate the importance of stakeholder participation in decision-making processes. Prior to becoming a scientist, Marissa worked as a commercial fisher for many years.

Speaker Series presentations are free and open to the public. For more information contact FOMB at 207-666-3372 or edfomb@comcast.net.

 

Check out other upcoming area events!

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.