|
|
6/18/2025
|
General Assembly approves legislation creating license to harvest invasive green crabs
|
STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today approved legislation introduced by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski and Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty that would create a license for the harvesting of green crabs.
The European green crab is an invasive species in Rhode Island’s coastal waters. Like many invasive species, the green crab poses a threat to the ecosystem and is particularly harmful for shellfish and eelgrass habitats, which serve as nurseries for native marine species.
The bill (2025-S 0938A, 2025-H 6157A) would authorize the Department of Environmental Management to offer commercial licenses for the taking of green crabs subject to a fee of $10.
“Not only are green crabs an invasive species, they are also a high-protein food source,” said Senator Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown), who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture. “Under current state law, they can only be caught with a $200 non-lobster crustacean endorsement add-on to the DEM marine license. A $10 license exclusively for green crabs would greatly increase access to the harvesting of a species that is endangering native sea life, including quahogs and blue crabs.”
“The crabs that have invaded Rhode Island waters are eating a lot of the lobster larvae and the eel grass that we rely on for coastal protection and marine life habitats,” said Representative Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown). “Since this is an edible species that is getting more popular in culinary circles, this legislation is a win-win for the state. People will be able to catch them for a nominal license fee, and it will help to control an environmentally dangerous invasive species.”
The measure now moves to the governor’s office.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
|
|